Jared Allen, who racked up 83.5 sacks in six seasons in purple, signed a one-day contract with the organization so he can officially retire as a Minnesota Viking.
The veteran defensive end spoke to reporters one last time as a Vikings "player." He said he and General Manager Rick Spielman have had a mutual desire to have him retire as a Viking since the two sides parted ways after the 2013 season.
"For me, it's about where so many great memories for me and my career have been," Allen said. "I had a great four years in Kansas City. Even though we didn't get to the Super Bowl, I went to Chicago and got hurt. Minnesota was my heart. Six great years, not only with football but I met my wife when I was there, I got married when I was there. I had my first child there. There are just so many life memories there that, from top to bottom in that organization, I feel a part of it.
"Obviously when I went to Chicago, I met some great people there and developed friendships. And Carolina was phenomenal. But I'm not rooted in those places. I rooted in Minnesota, not just on the field but off the field. So that's why it was really important for me to go back and officially retire as a Viking. I can say now that I'm a Viking for the remainder of my time on earth."
The Vikings put out a release accepting Allen, 34, back into the family, so to speak.
"We are incredibly proud to have Jared retire as a member of the Vikings franchise," owner and team chairman Zygi Wilf said in a statement. "Jared was not only a phenomenal player on the field, but he was also a favorite among the fans and within the organization.
"He will always be a member of the Minnesota Vikings family."
Allen, whom the Vikings acquired via trade in 2008, is third on the team's all-time sack list. He started 96 straight games for the Vikings and four playoff games, too, and was named a first-team All-Pro three times here.
