Welcome to the 25 SKOL’s of Christmas!
In a similar vein to how Freeform has done the 25 days of Christmas, we will look back at different moments in Vikings history to bring a little extra joy to you this holiday season.
It’s that simple. The holidays can be a trying time for some people and we want to put a smile on people’s faces by reminiscing about some truly joyous times in Vikings history.
On the fourth SKOL of Christmas, the Vikings gave to me: a trade for Jared Allen.
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When Brad Childress took over as the Vikings’ head coach in 2006, he made it his mission to fix the trenches on both sides of the ball. The first move was Steve Hutchinson with the infamous poison pill and they followed it up the next season by trading with the Kansas City Chiefs for Allen.
It wasn’t a cheap price, as they gave up the 17th, 72nd and 83rd overall picks in the 2008 draft for Allen and it paid off well for both sides. The Chiefs drafted left tackle Branden Albert and running back Jamaal Charles and the Vikings got an All-Pro edge rusher that they desperately needed.
In his six seasons with the Vikings, Allen accumulated 85.5 sacks, including an astounding 22.0 in 2011 when he was just 0.5 away from tying Michael Strahan’s all-time record.
His impact was massive and immediate. The Vikings’ defense took major leaps in his first couple of seasons with Allen as they made the playoffs each of those years. None of those games were more impactful than Brett Favre’s first game against the Green Bay Packers where he had 4.5 sacks in a dominating performance.
I don’t think I ever appreciated Jared Allen enough. What a monster pic.twitter.com/Kft4gdHmXD
— Tyler Forness (@TheRealForno) July 3, 2021
While his career only lasted six seasons with the Vikings, he was inducted into the Vikings’ Ring of Honor earlier this season where he rode in on a horse. He did the same way when he announced his retirement.
HE RODE IN ON A HORSE!! 🐴
Jared Allen Ring of Honor induction intro!🎥:Minnesota Vikings. #kfanvikes #mnsports pic.twitter.com/R4ICs4edXU
— KFAN1003 (@KFAN1003) October 30, 2022
His mullet and flair for the dramatic made him unique, but his motor and immense talent separated him from the rest. A tremendous player that was the catalyst for the Vikings’ 2009 run.
Previous SKOL’s of Christmas:
Drafting Randy Moss
Vikings 1997 Wild Card Comeback
Jarius Wright Walks Off the Jets
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