Jared Allen, a former Vikings player well known for bearing down on opposing quarterbacks, is closing in on something else for once.
The ex-NFL defensive end has been named one of 15 Pro Football Hall of Fame finalists. Allen joins QB Peyton Manning, DB Charles Woodson and WR Calvin Johnson as players to be selected as finalists in their first year of eligibility.
Allen came to Minnesota in 2008 after playing for Kansas City. He tallied 22 sacks in 2011 and had more than 14 sacks in three different seasons with the Vikings.
Allen was a crucial part of the Minnesota defense during the Brad Childress era. Allen was part of the 2009 Vikings team that made it as far as the NFC Championship before losing in heartbreaking fashion to the Saints. He became well known to Vikings fans — for his level of play and the style he had.
