Jared Allen Signs Contract to Officially Retire with Minnesota Vikings

The Minnesota Vikings signed defensive end Jared Allen to a one-day contract on Thursday, allowing him to retire as a member of the Vikings on Friday, according to Vikings.com.

“We are incredibly proud to have Jared retire as a member of the Vikings franchise,” Vikings owner and chairman Zygi Wilf said of Allen. “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, 34, spent six seasons with the Vikings, accumulating 327 tackles, 85.5 sacks, nine fumble recoveries and four interceptions. He ranks third on the Vikings all-time sacks list.

In his 12 year career with the Kansas City Chiefs, Vikings, Chicago Bears and Carolina Panthers, Allen notched 643 tackles, 136 sacks—tied for the ninth most in NFL history with Julius Peppers—31 forced fumbles, 19 fumble recoveries and six interceptions. He led the NFL in sacks twice (2007, 2011), and his 22 sacks in 2011 is tied for the second most in a single season in NFL history.

Allen was also a five-time Pro Bowler and a four-time Associated Press first-team All-NFL selection. That resume will likely get him into the Hall of Fame, though he may not be a first-ballot selection with Peyton Manning and Charles Woodson eligible for the Hall of Fame in the same year.

Vikings general manager Rick Spielman expects big things from Allen even after his career.

“While I am very proud of his accomplishments as a football player, I am just as impressed with Jared’s leadership and personal growth during his six seasons here," Spielman told Vikings.com. "I look forward to seeing what he accomplishes now that he is retired from football.”

You can follow Timothy Rapp on Twitter.