Football is
such a big part of our lives and we sometimes have favorite players from our
favorite teams. There comes a time in our lives when we must wait and see if
that particular player leaves by way of free agents. How do we react? Do we
want the player that leaves to fail with his new team or not?
It is hard
sometimes but with one player in particular I want this guy to have all the success
in the world in his future. The player I refer to in this case is number 69,Jared
Allen. It has been reported by several media outlets that we should know what
he decides by the end of this weekend where he is going.
Jared was
voted one of the top 50 players in team history in the 2010 season and was also
just voted as one of the top 28 players for the All Metrodome team this past
season.
Allen’s
agent had told the Vikings that he would not return. The teams in his future
appear to be Seattle or Dallas or just flat out retirement.
I absolutely
love football and also sometimes have a hard time with the amount of money
these players make so if they are going to pay out the big bucks I definitely
believe Jared is worth every penny even as he is soon to turn 32.
Jared came
to Minnesota in 2008 in a trade in which the Vikes gave up their number one
pick to the Kansas City Chiefs. That year and I will say it was totally worth
one year of not having the 1st round pick.
The draft I
believe no one really knows just how that player will turn out. How many 1st
round picks are busts? Did anyone know Tom Brady drafted in the 6th
round would be this Hall of Fame type quarterback?
In 2004 Jared
was drafted in the 4th round at number 126 and what has he done in
his career? He has 128. 5 sacks in his career with the Chiefs and the Vikes
combined. He has had 85.5 sacks in his Minnesota career. It was January 1st,
2012 when Allen sacked the Bears quarterback to break Chis Doleman’s team sack record
and gave Allen a new team record of 22. The Vikes had a miserable record that
year yet Jared was a one man wrecking crew.
Jared is
such a supporter of the military. I would love to watch him stand on the
sideline as the National Anthem is be played and watch Allen hold his helmet
high towards the flag. The 2013 season on military tribute night the Vikes had
a couple players’ runs with the American flag but the one who really stuck out
with Jared running out from under the Vikings ship and having the flag high as
the crowd was roaring.
I read a great
article this past week in regards to Allen’s support of the troops. It is
called Allen’s Home for Wounded Warriors which is a nonprofit organization created
for the sole purpose of raising money to build or modify the homes of America’s
injured Military Veterans. Jared was in Luverne, Minnesota earlier in the week unveiling
a remodeled handicapped accessible house to Spc. Andrew Hanson. A Luverne
native, who joined the Army National Guard in High School and lost both his
legs in Iraq in 2007.
The man came
to the football field and played every down with hustle and desire. His sack
and calf roping act were such a pleasure to watch.
Jared, you
gave me memories I will never forget of a player who got paid and earned it. I
do not know his future but whatever it is I wish him all the success in life.
You are a true professional and a great example to kids to never give up.
Thanks for
reading
Purplestick
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