Jared Allen, the Vikings legend, will not be inducted into the Hall of Fame again.
For the fourth consecutive year, former Vikings star Jared Allen has once again fallen short of securing a spot in the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Despite being a finalist every year since becoming eligible in 2021, Allen did not receive the necessary 80 percent vote for induction into the class of 2024, as reported by Chris Tomasson of the Denver Gazette. The official announcement of inductees is scheduled for the NFL Honors show on Thursday night.
Initial reports suggest that Julius Peppers and Devin Hester have made the cut as modern-era finalists, with up to five players potentially entering the Hall each year. Other notable finalists for the 2024 class include Antonio Gates, Rodney Harrison, Patrick Willis, Andre Johnson, Reggie Wayne, Torry Holt, and Dwight Freeney.
This disappointing outcome marks another setback for Allen, who may be questioning when his enshrinement will come. While there is no maximum time for players to remain on the ballot, the longer the wait, the more uncertainty may arise. Despite his strong credentials, Allen has yet to secure induction, ranking tied for 16th in NFL history with 136 sacks, 85.5 of which were achieved during six remarkable seasons with the Vikings.
With Peppers set to be included in the class of 2024, all players above Allen on the all-time sack list will be in the Hall, except for Terrell Suggs, who becomes eligible next year and is considered highly likely for induction. Allen’s impressive career includes five Pro Bowl appearances and four first-team All-Pro selections. In 2011, he set a Vikings record with 22 sacks and finished second in Defensive Player of the Year voting behind Suggs.
Allen’s contributions extend beyond sacks, with 171 total tackles for loss, 32 forced fumbles (ranking in the top 25 in NFL history), 19 fumble recoveries, six interceptions, two touchdowns, and 58 pass breakups. While 2024 did not bring Hall of Fame induction for Allen, there remains hope that 2025 might be the year for his enshrinement.
