I know. Nothing is more fun during a game thread than watching Jared Allen sack a QB and a poster (usually Cyberuck or Eric) flashing a Jared photo in his non-knee touching lasso stance saying "He Went to Jared". I can't get enough of that. But is the formerly mulleted one on the decline? I'd like to explore that after the jump (and after I research the issue which I can hopefully do before the Cubs (my only other true sports love besides the Vikings) game.

Allen started 33 of 41 games for Idaho State and was a three-time All-Big Sky Conference selection, recording 250 tackles and a whopping 38.5 sacks. He was also, during his high school years, an excellent player and was apparently a roadie for Motorhead, which is bad ass in itself. Allen was drafted by the Kansas City Chiefs in the fourth round (126 overall) in 2004 and was signed to a one year deal, $100,000 contract.

After a few very good seasons with KC (he started in the 2007 Pro-Bowl) he was eventually traded to the Vikings on April 22, 2008. The Chiefs received a first round pick, two third round picks (the Vikes can't keep third rounders to save their lives) and swapped 6th round picks. Allen signed a $72 million dollar deal, and ever since has been a hugely popular member of the Viking defensive line.

During the 2008 season Allen recorded 14.5 sacks and again went to the Pro-Bowl.

In 2009 he again registered 14.5 sacks and a Pro-Bowl. (keep in mind he's getting some very big bucks this whole while.)

Jared Allen 2009 Highlights (via zlf14)