If Jared Allen keeps this up, sculptors might be tasked with putting a mullet into bust form and the Vikings may have another player enshrined in Canton, Ohio.
In Allen’s first year of eligibility, the former Vikings defensive end has been named a Pro Football Hall of Fame semifinalist.
He is one of four semifinalists to be named in their first year of eligibility. The other three are Calvin Johnson, Peyton Manning and Charles Woodson.
Allen is also one of 15 defensive players tabbed as a semifinalist. He is among the there defensive linemen picked.
Allen came to the Vikings in 2008. During his stint with the team, he tallied 22 sacks in 2011 and had over 14 sacks in three different seasons with Minnesota.
Allen was a key member of the 2009 Vikings team that made it as far as the NFC Championship before losing in heartbreaking fashion to the Saints. Sure, he never brought a Super Bowl to Minnesota, but he was a beacon of consistency on defense and well regarded by fans.