When it comes to statistics, the quarterback sack is a relatively new category even though this is its 30th year (and 31st season) as an official NFL stat.

Lawrence Taylor -- the greatest defensive player in NFL history in my book -- ranks ninth on the official career sacks list with 132.5. However, his first season (1981) was the last season that sacks weren't recorded as official stats.

And then there's poor Deacon Jones, another Hall of Famer who coined the term "sack," yet is not on the official career list because his brilliant career ended in 1974.

So there are a lot of great, great players not on the official list. But there's also many greats on the list, which is topped by Bruce Smith (200), Reggie White (198), Kevin Greene (160) and former Viking Chris Doleman (150.5). If Doleman is upset about not being in the Hall of Fame (which he will be one day), imagine how Greene must feel since he's also not in the Hall.

Another Viking is climbing the list. With his three sacks last week, Jared Allen moved up three spots to 39th with 87.5. With three more at Kansas City on Sunday, he could move into 35th place ahead of former 49ers defensive lineman Bryant Young (89.5).

Allen is only 29 years old. Smith (40), White (39), Greene (37) and Doleman (38) all played until they were at least 37. So Allen's pass rushing skills could be valuable for another 10 years.

Among the top seven active players in career sacks, Allen is the youngest.

The top six are: Jason Taylor (36, 133.5), John Abraham (32, 104.5), Joey Porter (33, 98), Dwight Freeney (30, 97), Julius Peppers (30, 97) and Trevor Pryce (35, 91). Eighth on the active leaders list, however, is DeMarcus Ware, 29, who has 85 career sacks.