Jared Allen Announces His Retirement

Allen’s unique “Riding of into the Sunset” Twitter video was the main way he announced that he was leaving pro football but he did release a statement through his agent to NFL.com soon after his post on social media.

He thanked everyone for “an wonderful 12-year career” as he sat on a horse that he rode off on to end the video. “But seeing as how there is no sunset, I’m just going to ride off”, Allen said with a wave before turning his steed into a snow-covered plain.

He led the National Football League in sacks twice (2007 and 2011) and, at least until Thursday, had been the active leader in sacks with 136. The only other player ahead of Allen on the all-time sack list who isn’t in the Hall is Jason Taylor, and he becomes eligible next season.

Allen spent just a season and three games in Chicago, coming up with 5.5 sack and two forced fumbles in 18 games with the franchise. “It’s been a great ride for me, and I couldn’t be more grateful for the memories”.

Allen was a five-time Pro Bowler and four-time first-team All-Pro. “Thanks for the life long memories”. Though his status for Super Bowl 50 was in jeopardy due to injuries he dealt with during the Panthers postseason run, he appeared in the only Super Bowl of his career this month, recording one tackle. He had 11 sacks or more in eight of his 12 seasons. He was traded to the Vikings in 2008, playing six years with them before going to the Chicago Bears.

Above is the Ultimate Jared Allen Highlights Video contributing to him. At Carolina, however, Allen accepted being a part of a four-player rotation.