Former Chiefs Jared Allen Credits Faith in Hall of Fame Speech
Although the Kansas City Chiefs were not particularly successful in the early 2000s, Jared Allen, their star defensive end from that era, recently was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. In his acceptance speech, he thanked God for helping him put his life in proper perspective.
“I apply this ‘why’ to everything in my life — to my walk with Christ, to my marriage, to being a father, you name it, you got to have a ‘why,’” he said. “I’m a firm believer that God puts people in your life at the appropriate times.”
Allen, a fourth-round draft pick in 2004, led the Chiefs in sacks as a rookie and captured the NFL sack title in 2007. He went on to play for the Minnesota Vikings, Chicago Bears and Carolina Panthers. He finished his career tied for three defensive honors: most NFL career safeties, most safeties in one season and most seasons leading the league in sacks.
READ: The Chiefs faith culture
Allen honored his father, Ron, by reading from Philippians: “I’m not saying this because I’m in need, for I have learned to be content in whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty.” He credited his father’s example of resilience and belief in him for instilling the confidence to achieve greatness, including his 2007 and 2008 All-Pro seasons with the Chiefs and his record-setting 2011 season with the Vikings.
He also praised his mother for her unwavering support and her eagerness to pray for him. “And my mom, you’re always a source of compassion and grace, always there with a prayer,” he said. “Even when I was a complete knucklehead and you never judged me, at least not to my face.”
Allen spoke to his daughters, Brittany and Lakeland, who visibly fought back tears during his speech.
“When I get called home to heaven one day, if all they talk about is this gold jacket [and] my career, then I failed miserably as a father, a husband and a friend,” he said. “You two are my legacy. You were both so talented ,and I cannot wait to see what you decide to do to conquer this world. So always put Christ first. Find your why, dream big dreams and always pursue greatness in whatever you do.”
–Alan Goforth | Metro Voice
