Former NFL defensive end Jared Allen has expressed his deep disappointment after being overlooked once again for the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Despite his impressive career and numerous accolades, Allen was not included in the Hall of Fame Class of 2024, marking the fifth year in a row that he has been snubbed.
Allen, who played 12 seasons in the NFL and earned four First-Team All-Pro selections, was candid about his feelings following the announcement. "I'm hugely disappointed and shocked," he told the Star Tribune. Allen's career stats include 136 sacks, ranking him 12th on the NFL's all-time list, and he led the league in sacks twice during his tenure.
The best sacks from Jared Allen's MONSTER 22-sack season in 2011 💥pic.twitter.com/YsvsRBuoIA
— Football’s Greatest Moments (@FBGreatMoments) June 4, 2024
The Hall of Fame Class of 2024 includes notable players such as Dwight Freeney, Julius Peppers, and Patrick Willis. Allen's exclusion has sparked conversations about the criteria and selection process for the Hall of Fame, with many fans and analysts arguing that his contributions to the game warrant recognition in Canton.
Throughout his career, Allen was known for his relentless pass-rushing ability and his dynamic presence on the field. He spent the majority of his career with the Kansas City Chiefs and the Minnesota Vikings, making significant impacts with both teams. His 2011 season with the Vikings, where he recorded 22 sacks, remains one of the most dominant performances by a defensive end in NFL history.
“They can keep the [gold] jacket.”
Jared Allen, being peak Jared Allen. 🙃pic.twitter.com/TyPu0o4PP4
— Kay Adams (@heykayadams) May 28, 2024
Despite the setback, Allen remains hopeful about his future chances of being inducted into the Hall of Fame. "Not everyone can get in every year, but considering the type of player Jared Allen was and the fact that he was the one offenses had to worry about whenever they played the Vikings, and his stats are extremely impressive," noted a Fansided analysis. This perspective reflects the sentiment of many who believe Allen's time will come.
Allen's frustration is shared by many in the football community who feel that his contributions have been overlooked for too long. His perseverance and dedication to the game have left a lasting legacy, and his supporters continue to advocate for his rightful place among the NFL's greatest players.
As the debate continues, Allen's career serves as a testament to his skill and impact on the sport. Whether or not he receives the Hall of Fame recognition he deserves, his achievements on the field will remain a significant part of NFL history.
he should be a hall of famer