NFL Hall of Famer Jared Allen Credits His Career to God in Hall of Fame Speech
Jared Allen, a 12-year NFL defensive end, credited his faith for his success and the importance of honoring his family during his induction speech into the Pro Football Hall of Fame on August 2. Allen, who was first drafted in the fourth round by the Kansas City Chiefs in 2004, also played for the Minnesota Vikings, Chicago Bears, and Carolina Panthers. During his Hall of Fame speech in Canton, Ohio, he stressed the importance of having a "why" and to put Christ as the foundation of one's life.
"I apply this 'why' to everything in my life, to my walk with Christ, to my marriage, to being a father, you name it, you've got to have a 'why,'" Allen, who stood alongside fellow gold jacket recipients Sterling Sharpe, Eric Allen, and Antonio Gates, said.
He retired in 2016 after he helped the Panthers capture the NFC Championship in 2015 and advance the team to Super Bowl 50, The Christian Post reported. Allen finished his career with notable defensive records, including most NFL career safeties and most seasons leading the league in sacks.
Reflecting on his time with the Vikings, where he earned four Pro Bowl nods and three All-Pro honors, Allen said, "I'm a firm believer that God puts people in your life at the appropriate times. And what you did for the growth of my career, but more importantly, the people that you surrounded me with in that organization helped me grow as a man."
He also thanked his teammates Willie Roaf, Steve Hutchinson, and Kevin Williams, coaches like Dick Vermeil and Ron Rivera, and the Vikings organization, which he said will "forever" be his home.
Allen also honored his family, including his father, Ron, by reading Philippians 4:11-12: "I'm not saying this because I'm in need, for I have learned to be content in whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty."
He attributed his confidence to achieve greatness, including his All-Pro seasons with the Chiefs in 2007 and 2008 and his record-setting campaign with the Vikings in 2011, to his father's example of resilience and belief in him.
He said his father's belief and resilience gave him the confidence behind his 2007 and 2008 All-Pro seasons with the Chiefs and his record-setting 2011 with the Vikings.
Regarding his mother, Allen credited her for her support and prayers.
"And my mom, you're always a source of compassion and grace, always there with a prayer. Even when I was a complete knucklehead and you never judged me, at least not to my face."
In an emotional moment, Allen closed out his speech by telling his daughters, Brittany and Lakeland, that they are his legacy, exceeding his professional football accomplishments.
"When I get called home to Heaven one day, if all they talk about is this gold jacket [and] my career, then I failed miserably as a father, a husband, and a friend," he said. "You two are my legacy. You were both so talented, and I cannot wait to see what you decide to do to conquer this world."
"So always put Christ first. Find your why, dream big dreams, and always pursue greatness in whatever you do."
Outside of his NFL career, Allen led his Homes for Wounded Warriors initiative in efforts to build a handicap accessible home for an Oregon veteran who lost both of his legs and all mobility in his dominant arm due to the war in Afghanistan.
Photo Credit: ©Getty Images/Nick Cammett/Stringer
Originally published August 07, 2025.
