MINNEAPOLIS — After coming up short a year ago, Minnesota Vikings pass rusher Jared Allen is getting another shot at the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
Allen is among 15 modern-era player finalists, which includes two first-timers in fellow edge rusher in Julius Peppers and tight end Antonio Gates.
The selection committee can elect up to five players, which will be unveiled Feb. 8. To be elected, a player must get at least 80% of the committee's vote.
This is the fourth straight year Allen has been named a finalist since he became eligible.
Allen, a former fourth-round draft pick for the Kansas City Chiefs in 2004, recorded 136 sacks in his career, the 12th-most sacks in NFL history.
He joined the Vikings in 2008 and recorded 85½ sacks in six seasons wearing purple and gold, including a franchise-record 22 sacks in 2011, according to the team's website. His 14½ sacks in 2009 helped lead the Vikings to a 12-4 record and an appearance in the NFC Championship, where they ultimately lost to the eventual Super Bowl champion New Orleans Saints in overtime.
The former All-Pro quickly became a fan favorite, not only for his ability to get to opposing quarterbacks, but also his calf-roping celebration that followed each one of his sacks.
The other finalists for this year's class are:
- Eric Allen
- Willie Anderson
- Jahri Evans
- Dwight Freeney
- Antonio Gates
- Rodney Harrison
- Devin Hester
- Torry Holt
- Andre Johnson
- Julius Peppers
- Fred Taylor
- Reggie Wayne
- Patrick Willis
- Darren Woodson
Watch more of Minnesota sports:
Watch the latest sports videos - from high school hockey to the Minnesota Vikings and everything in between - in our YouTube playlist:
