This former KC Chiefs player is among 15 finalists for the Pro Football Hall of Fame
Two men with ties to the Kansas City Chiefs have an opportunity to become immortalized in football history.
Former Chiefs defensive end Jared Allen is among 15 finalists for the Pro Football Hall of Fame’s modern-era Class of 2022, the Hall of Fame announced Thursday.
Additionally, former Chiefs head coach Dick Vermeil is among three finalists in the Coach, Contributor and Senior categories, the Hall announced.
Allen entered the league in 2004 out of Idaho State as a fourth-round pick with the Chiefs. From 2004 to 2007, Allen recorded 43 sacks for the Chiefs before the team traded him in April 2008 to the Minnesota Vikings.
The 6-6, 265-pound Allen was a four-time All-Pro selection in his career, the first coming during his final season with the Chiefs, when he recorded 15.5 sacks.
It was in Minnesota, however, that Allen’s career really took off. He garnered three more All-Pro selections and made four Pro Bowls with the Vikings, totaling 329 tackles and 83.5 sacks from 2008-13. He finished the final two years of his pro career playing for the Chicago Bears and Carolina Panthers before announcing his retirement during the 2016 offseason.
Allen appeared in 187 career games (181 starts), totaling 136 sacks, 642 tackles (498 solo), 32 forced fumbles, 19 fumble recoveries, four safeties and six interceptions.
Vermeil coached the Chiefs from 2001-08, posting an 80-44 record during that span. He previously coached the Philadelphia Eagles (1976-1982) and the then-St. Louis Rams (1997-99). He guided the Eagles to Super Bowl XV but lost to the then-Oakland Raiders.
Vermeil’s Rams won Super Bowl XXXIV over the Tennessee Titans. In 15 years as an NFL head coach, he posted a 126-114 record, including the playoffs.
The Hall of Fame’s Selection Committee is scheduled to meet virtually on Jan. 18, 2022 to vote on candidates.
Click here to see all the finalists being considered for football immortality.
