Former Carolina Panthers defensive end Jared Allen reflected on his career and personal life during his Hall of Fame induction speech Saturday. While he acknowledged his time in Carolina, Allen focused much of his remarks on family, expressing emotion as he addressed his wife and two daughters.
“Through this process, the word legacy has been talked about a lot; the Hall often says they’re here to tell my story,” Allen said. “Well, I’m here to tell you two, you are my greatest accomplishments. When I get called home to heaven one day, if all they talk about is this gold jacket, my career, then I failed miserably as a father, a husband, and a friend. You two are my legacy. You are both so talented.
“And I cannot wait to see what you decide to conquer this world. So always put Christ first, find your why, dream big dreams, and always pursue greatness in whatever you do.”
Allen ended his NFL career with 136 sacks and led the league twice in that category. He ranks 12th on the all-time sack list.
During his speech, Allen named several colleagues from Carolina including coach Ron Rivera and former teammates Roman Harper and Peanut Tillman among those he thanked individually.
He briefly mentioned each of the four teams he played for in the NFL and included humor about his stint with Chicago. Allen joined the Panthers for the final 12 games of his career after being traded from the Bears on September 28, 2015. He recorded two sacks during that stretch and contributed to the team’s run to Super Bowl 50 in California.
“To the organizations, the Panthers, thank you for making the trade and allowing me to finish my career with my hand in the dirt and being able to play in Super Bowl 50 in my hometown,” Allen said. “And even though we didn’t win, it was a heck of a way to end my career.
“The Bears. Yeah, well, … When you blow your back out, you only have 5.5 sacks. I don’t think they were too happy either.”
That comment drew laughter from those present at Canton’s ceremony—including former Panthers general manager Bill Polian—before Allen went on to thank other teams’ leadership as well.
Allen also discussed what motivated him throughout his playing days and spoke about honoring football’s history.
“I’ve only played this game for two reasons, the respect of my peers and the respect of those who came before me,” Allen said. “I will never forget the day I got an email from (Hall of Famer) Jack Youngblood telling me that he thought I played the game the right way. That to me is worth more than any All-Pro I’ve ever gotten.
“In the pursuit of greatness, when you respect something or someone so much that you want to honor that thing or that person by being the best you can possibly be. That’s why I had the NFL sack leaders taped up in my locker every season so I could show up to work and physically see greatness and never allow myself to feel like I arrived.
“And I apply this 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.”
