VIDEO: Jared Allen announces retirement, rides off into nonexistent sunset
Jared Allen was always a bit of a character, so it should come as no surprise he's ending his career with one final goofy stunt.
The veteran defensive end announced his retirement in a video posted to his Twitter account Thursday.
Riding off into the sunset pic.twitter.com/wZXovseGKS
— Jared Allen (@JaredAllen69) February 18, 2016
Perhaps the lack of a proper sunset is fitting. Allen was traded to the Carolina Panthers midway through the 2015 season, and came up just short of riding off into a football sunset with a Super Bowl win.
In Allen's 12-year career which saw him split time between the Kansas City Chiefs, Minnesota Vikings, and Chicago Bears, Allen recorded 136 sacks and forced 31 fumbles. He's tied for ninth on the all-time sacks list. Allen earned first-team All-Pro honors four times.
In a statement released through his agent, Allen thanks everyone who supported him in his career:
I want to take this time to thank my family, friends fans, and teammates who have given their continued support throughout my 12 year career. It’s been a great ride for me, and I couldn’t be more grateful for the memories. It is with a great deal of thought and consideration, that I have decided that I will not return to football next year. I want to thank the Carolina Panthers, Chicago Bears, Minnesota Vikings and the Kansas City Chiefs organizations, who provided me with an opportunity to live out my dream and to be a part of their wonderful communities. Thanks for the life long memories.