Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Jared Allen

Discover the career path of Jared Allen, from the first major opportunity to industry-changing achievements.

Jared Allen is a retired American professional football player who excelled as a defensive end in the NFL for 12 seasons. Renowned for his pass-rushing prowess, Allen achieved significant recognition, including five Pro Bowl selections and four All-Pro honors. His career culminated in an impressive 136 sacks. Allen's contributions to the sport were further acknowledged with his election to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2025.

Sections (4)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

2000: Freshman Year at Idaho State

In 2000, as a freshman, Jared Allen played in eight games for the Bengals and earned honorable mention All-Big Sky honors.

2004: NFL Draft

In 2004, Jared Allen was selected by the Kansas City Chiefs in the fourth round of the NFL draft after playing college football for the Idaho State Bengals.

2004: Rookie Season with Chiefs

In 2004, during his rookie season, Jared Allen played 15 games for the Kansas City Chiefs, starting 10 of them, and made 9 sacks on 31 tackles.

2005: Second Season with Chiefs

In 2005, Jared Allen appeared in all 16 games (starting 15) for the Chiefs, recording 55 tackles, 11 sacks, 5 passes defended, 6 forced fumbles, and 2 fumble recoveries.

2006: Third Season with Chiefs

In 2006, Jared Allen started all 16 games for the Chiefs, recording 77 tackles, 7.5 sacks, 1 interception, 10 passes defended, 5 forced fumbles, and 6 fumble recoveries.

May 21, 2007: Signs Chiefs' Tender Offer

On May 21, 2007, Jared Allen, as a restricted free agent, signed the Chiefs' one-year tender offer of US$2.35 million for the 2007 season.

December 2, 2007: Touchdown Catch Against San Diego

On December 2, 2007, Jared Allen caught a touchdown pass against the San Diego Chargers.

December 23, 2007: Touchdown Catch Against Detroit Lions

On December 23, 2007, Jared Allen caught another touchdown pass against the Detroit Lions.

2007: Pro Bowl and All-Pro Selection

After leading the NFL in sacks in 2007, Jared Allen was selected as a starting defensive end for the AFC in the 2007 Pro Bowl and was also named in the All-Pro team for 2007.

2007: Games Played Streak Ends

As a result of suffering from pneumonia and losing 18 pounds in 2014, Allen missed the week three game against the Green Bay Packers. As a result, his streak of games played dating back to week two of 2007 ended.

February 2008: Chiefs Franchise Tag

In February 2008, the Chiefs placed the franchise tag on Jared Allen, giving him a one-year, $8.8 million contract for 2008.

April 22, 2008: Traded to Minnesota Vikings

On April 22, 2008, Jared Allen was traded from the Kansas City Chiefs to the Minnesota Vikings in exchange for draft picks, subsequently signing a six-year contract with the Vikings.

2008: First Season with the Vikings

During the 2008 season, Allen recorded 54 tackles, 14.5 sacks, and 2 enforced safeties. He was named First-team All-Pro and selected to his second Pro Bowl. His first sack as a Viking was in a game against the Indianapolis Colts, when he sacked quarterback Peyton Manning.

October 5, 2009: Career-High Sacks Against Green Bay Packers

On October 5, 2009, Jared Allen set a career-high with 4.5 sacks against the Green Bay Packers, and also recorded his third safety in the previous two years.

October 2009: Jared Allen's Homes for Wounded Warriors

In October 2009, Jared Allen created his own charity, the Jared Allen's Homes for Wounded Warriors (JAH4WW), to build handicapped-accessible homes for severely wounded military personnel.

2009: JDRF Children's Congress

In 2009, Jared Allen served as an active role model in the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation's (JDRF) Children's Congress and raises funds through his "Sack Diabetes" program.

September 2010: Animal Shelter Contribution

In September 2010, Jared Allen contributed $3,000 to Downey, California, animal shelter SEACCA's reward fund for information about a horse being starved and abandoned.

2010: Defensive Touchdown

In 2010, Jared Allen finished the season with 60 tackles, 11 sacks, 2 interceptions and scored his second career defensive touchdown against the Detroit Lions.

2010: $8 Million Roster Bonus

In 2010, Jared Allen was due an $8 million roster bonus, per the six-year, $72.36 million contract he signed with the Vikings.

2011: Returns to Kansas City

In 2011, Jared Allen returned to Kansas City with the Vikings, but the Vikings lost the game 22-17.

January 1, 2012: Vikings Single-Season Sack Record

On January 1, 2012, Jared Allen set the single-season franchise record for most sacks by a Viking, with 22 sacks.

March 26, 2014: Signs with Chicago Bears

On March 26, 2014, Jared Allen signed a four-year deal with the Chicago Bears worth $32 million.

2014: Joins Chicago Bears

In 2014, Jared Allen joined the Chicago Bears as a free agent after spending six years with the Minnesota Vikings.

September 28, 2015: Traded to Carolina Panthers

On September 28, 2015, Jared Allen was traded to the Carolina Panthers for a conditional sixth-round pick in the 2016 NFL draft.

2015: Traded to Carolina Panthers

During the 2015 season, Jared Allen was traded to the Carolina Panthers.

2015: Position Transition

With the Bears using a 3-4 defense for the 2015 season, Jared Allen was transitioned to the outside linebacker position.

February 7, 2016: Super Bowl 50

On February 7, 2016, Jared Allen played in Super Bowl 50 as part of the Carolina Panthers team, where they fell to the Denver Broncos by a score of 24-10. Allen recorded one tackle in the loss.

February 18, 2016: Retirement Announcement

On February 18, 2016, Jared Allen announced his retirement from the NFL by posting a video to his Twitter account of him riding his horse "into the sunset."