What is Jared Allen's Net Worth and Career Earnings?
Jared Allen is a retired American professional football player who has amassed a net worth of $35 million. Over his career, he played as a defensive end for multiple NFL teams including the Kansas City Chiefs, Minnesota Vikings, Chicago Bears, and Carolina Panthers. Notably, he participated in Super Bowl 50 with the Panthers. After retiring from the NFL in 2015, Allen transitioned into curling and formed a curling team with other former football players.
Career Earnings and Contracts
During his illustrious NFL career, Jared Allen earned a staggering $96 million in salary alone. In 2007, he signed a one-year contract with the Chiefs worth $2.35 million. The following year, he earned $8.8 million. In 2008, Allen signed a six-year $72.36 million deal with the Vikings and later, a four-year $32 million deal with the Bears in 2014.
Early Life and High School
Born on April 3, 1982, in Dallas, Texas, Jared Allen was raised on a horse ranch in Morgan Hill, California. He attended Live Oak High School before transferring to Los Gatos High School, where he excelled in football, earning First-Team All-League and First-Team All-Central Coast Section honors. He concluded his senior season with an impressive 96 tackles and 12 sacks.
Collegiate Career
Despite initially committing to the University of Washington, Allen lost his athletic scholarship and ended up at Idaho State University. Throughout his collegiate career, he established himself as a formidable player. As a freshman, Allen played in eight games. By his sophomore year, he led the team with 16 tackles for loss and earned First-Team All-Big Sky honors, which he retained the following years. In his senior year, Allen's outstanding performance with 28 tackles for loss, 17.5 sacks, and six forced fumbles earned him the Buck Buchanan Award as the most outstanding defensive player in Division I.
Kansas City Chiefs
Selected by the Kansas City Chiefs in the 2004 NFL Draft, Allen played 15 games during his rookie season, recording 31 tackles and nine sacks. By 2005, he played all 16 games, posting 55 tackles and 11 sacks. In 2006, he recorded 77 tackles and 7.5 sacks. His breakout year came in 2007 when he led the NFL with 15.5 sacks and earned Pro Bowl and All-Pro selections.
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Minnesota Vikings
Allen was traded to the Minnesota Vikings in 2008, signing a six-year contract. Despite battling shoulder and knee injuries, he posted 54 tackles and 14.5 sacks in his first season, earning consecutive Pro Bowl and All-Pro selections. He set a career-high with 4.5 sacks in a single game against the Green Bay Packers in 2009 and finished the season with 51 tackles and 14.5 sacks. He continued his stellar performance, topping it off with 60 tackles and 11 sacks in 2010. Notably, in the 2011-2012 season, he set a new Vikings record with 22 sacks.
Chicago Bears
In 2014, Allen signed a four-year contract with the Chicago Bears. His inaugural season was challenging as he battled pneumonia and lost 18 pounds, yet managed to conclude the season with 52 tackles and 5.5 sacks. The following season saw him transition to outside linebacker.
Carolina Panthers and Retirement
Allen was traded to the Carolina Panthers in September 2015. He made an immediate impact, recording his first sack in a win over the Philadelphia Eagles. Allen contributed to the Panthers' successful season, culminating in an appearance in Super Bowl 50, where they faced the Denver Broncos. Shortly after the Super Bowl, Allen announced his retirement from the NFL via Twitter, charmingly sharing a video of himself riding off into the sunset.
Curling Career
Post-NFL, Allen embraced the sport of curling. In 2018, he formed a curling team with other ex-NFL players including Keith Bulluck and Marc Bulger. The team has participated in various competitions, including the Curl Mesabi Classic and the Ed Werenich Golden Wrench Classic, as well as the 2019 and 2021 US Men's Curling Championships.
Personal Life and Philanthropy
Jared Allen is married to his wife Amy, and they have a daughter named Brinley. He has been deeply involved in philanthropy, founding Jared Allen's Homes for Wounded Warriors in 2009. The charity focuses on building handicapped-accessible homes for wounded veterans. He also supports the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation and has contributed to the animal shelter SEACCA.
