Vikings Legend, Jared Allen, Brings Entire Family To Tears With Emotional Hall Of Fame Speech: “You Are My Greatest Accomplishment”

Jared Allen
NFL

Turns out NFL legend Jared Allen can give a heartfelt speech just as well as he could sack the opposing team’s quarterback back in the day.

This past weekend, the former Minnesota Vikings edge rusher Jared Allen was recognized for his career accomplishments in football, and inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. There’s no doubt that the man who had 136 career sacks (85.5 with the Vikings) was worthy of a gold jacket, and just as he was an entertaining player out on the field, he brought the energy to his own hall of fame induction weekend.

Allen even went viral twice, with the first being his pants ripping during the Gold Jacket ceremony. You’ve got to make sure your dress slacks can withstand your signature sack celebration before busting it out in front of a crowd of people:

 

He handled his pants ripping like a champ.

The other reason why the former defensive end was getting attention online was his Pro Football Hall of Fame acceptance. Jared Allen gave one of the most transparent, touching, comical and emotional speeches that the sports world has ever seen, and it was a pure waterworks factory when Allen got to the most important part of his talk… his wife and two daughters.

He first honored his wife, Amy, by praising her for being a supportive partner throughout his playing career and their marriage:

“To my wife, I’m reminded of what our counselor said when we were going through our marital counseling. He said, ‘The two most important decisions you’ll make in life is 1) whether you follow Jesus or not, and 2) is who you marry.’

Because there are only two types of people: boat anchors who drag you down, and there’s people who elevate you. You are a true elevator. You are one of the smartest people I know. I am in awe of you every single day, and I love you more than life itself.”

Who’s cutting onions in here?

Allen then went on to put the Pro Football Hall of Fame ceremony into perspective. The NFL legend spoke directly to his two daughters, Brinley and Lakelyn, and said that they were his biggest accomplishment over anything else he ever did playing the sport of football:

“Throughout this process, the word ‘legacy’ has been talked about a lot. The Hall of Fame often says they are here to tell my story. Well I’m here to tell you two that you are my greatest accomplishments. When I get called home to heaven one day, if all they talk about is this gold jacket, or my career, then I’ve failed miserably as a father, husband and friend. You two are my legacy.”

Beautifully said.

He’s certainly left a legacy… there’s no doubt about that.

And I know he just said that being a husband and father are the most important things in his life, but I do have to point out that Jared Allen should undoubtedly be the single season sack record holder. His monster season in 2011 should be remembered as the year he broke the sack record, but I digress.

Oh, and just in case you aren’t familiar with the work of Jared Allen, take a few minutes to watch his highlights in all of their glory: