CANTON, Ohio — The why became the how.

The why was motivating enough when few people envisioned Jared Allen's talent as the truth it eventually became on the gridiron.

The why burned from within, empowering him through tough practices, until it was released in a fury every game day.

The why enabled Allen to become one of the best to ever do it, earning a spot as the 380^th enshrinee in the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

Moments after his father, Ron, presented Allen for enshrinement and they together unveiled his bronze bust, complete with a mullet, Allen delivered his speech.

Over the course of nearly 14 minutes, Allen explained his why on his way to football immortality in his unique way.

He blended trademark humor and a humble appreciation for everyone who helped his journey.

"People always ask, 'How did I get here? Why was I better than others?' And usually, fans have really bad timing and ask these questions when you're at dinner or you're watching kids at sporting events," Allen said. "So I usually make some crap up. I make it up like, 'You know what, you've got to eat three jalapeno peppers before every game, because you've got to have a burning in your gut.'

"And I feel bad about that now, because there's probably some kid out there with some serious gut issues, because his dad was just jamming peppers in his mouth before every game," Allen said. "So, my apologies for that."

Allen explained how his college studies included marketing and branding and the concept "they call selling your why."

"The what is your product. There's a million whats in this world, but the why is what makes you different," Allen said. "The why is your long game. It's what drives you to get up and take whatever steps necessary to achieve your goal. So my why can be summed up with three things: fear, respect and the pursuit of greatness."

"When I'm talking about fear, I'm not talking about that type of fear that cripples you and makes you avoid something," Allen said. "I'm talking about that healthy fear of failure, that fear that motivates you to do whatever you can to succeed, that type of fear that lets you get knocked down and then realize you don't want to get knocked down again, so you pick yourself up, you learn and improve.

"Respect — I've only played this game for two reasons: the respect of my peers and the respect of those who came before me," he continued. "I will never forget the day I got an email from Jack Youngblood telling me that he thought I played the game the right way. That, to me, is worth more than any All-Pro I've ever gotten.

"The pursuit of greatness — when you respect something or someone so much that you want to honor that thing or that person by being the best you can possibly be," Allen said. "That's why I had the NFL sack leaders taped up in my locker every season, so I could show up to work and physically see greatness and never allow myself to feel like I arrived. Now 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've got to have a why."

Allen's 136 sacks in regular-season games from his rookie season through his final campaign were the most in the NFL during that span, topping 2023 inductee DeMarcus Ware (134.5) and 2024 addition Julius Peppers (117). The total ranks 12^th in the NFL since 1982 when sacks became an official statistic.

The defensive end's 19 fumble recoveries and 49.5 sacks on third downs were the most leaguewide from 2004-15.

Allen also previously earned placement in Hall of Fame company by tying for second with Gold Jackets Bruce Smith and Kevin Greene for the most seasons ranked in the Top 10 in the NFL in sacks (eight seasons). Only Hall of Famer Reggie White (11) has posted more Top 10 finishes.

The Idaho State product played 12 NFL seasons, spending the bulk of his career with the Vikings (2008-13). He started his pro journey with the Chiefs (2004-07) and later played for the Bears (2014-15) and Panthers (2015).

In the video in which Ron Allen presented his son, he thought back to the pre-draft scouting bio that said Jared "wasn't big enough, strong enough, fast enough to play the NFL" and enjoyed a laugh.

"When you tell Jared he can't do something, he's going to prove me wrong by any way means, shape or form," Ron resolutely explained. "He's very self-motivated, so something like that fueled the fire pretty good."

Allen expressed appreciation for teammates, coaches and support staff. The appreciation to Vikings teammates began with the Williams Wall, which welcomed him to Minnesota after the blockbuster trade with Kansas City.

"Pat and Kevin, you guys pushed me to new levels," Allen said. "And Kevin, I cannot wait to be sitting in these stands or on this stage when we celebrate you one day. You are a true, amazing player, my friend."

Allen also mentioned Ben Leber, Chad Greenway, E.J. Anderson and Antoine Winfield, Sr., for allowing him to play free and Vikings Ownership and leadership for the positive impacts on his life that occurred in Minnesota.

"Rick [Spielman], Rob [Brzezinski], George [Paton], Kevin [Warren], [Les] Pico, Brad [Childress] and the entire Wilf family, I don't think I can ever truly express the depths of my gratitude to the entire organization," Allen said. "I'm a firm believer that God puts people in your life at the appropriate time, and what you did for the growth of my career, but more importantly, the people that you surrounded me with in that organization, helped me grow as a man. That is why I will forever call the Vikings my home."

Wearing one of the cowboy hats he's known for, he steered the audience straight into his heart.

Of his father, Allen said: "You never let circumstances affect your joy. You are a constant example of hard work, you taught me work ethic, and most importantly, your consistent belief in me gave me the confidence to achieve greatness.

"My mom, you were always a source of compassion and grace. Always there with a prayer, even when I was a complete knucklehead, and you never judged me, at least not to my face, and I appreciate that," he added.

Allen met his wife Amy during his time with the Vikings. It was the right time in his life and the right person.

"To my wife, I'm reminded of what [Vikings chaplain] Tom Lamphere said we were going through our premarital counseling," Allen shared. "He said the two most important decisions you'll make in life is one, whether you follow Jesus or not, and two is who you marry. There's only two types of people. There's boat anchors who drag you down, and there's people who elevate you, and you are a true game elevator. You're one of the smartest people I know. I am in awe of you every single day.

"To my amazing daughters, Brinley and Lakelyn: through this process, the word 'legacy' has been talked about a lot. The Hall of Fame says I'm here to tell my story. Well, I'm here to tell you two, you are my greatest accomplishments," he said, growing misty-eyed along the way.

"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. You two are my legacy," he continued. "You are 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."

Gold Jackets Welcome More Purple

Vikings who earned Gold Jackets are excited to add more Purple to the group. Allen is the 16^th person (player or contributor) who spent most or all of his career with the Vikings to be enshrined.

John Randle, HOF Class of 2010

"I am so thrilled to see a new Viking in the Hall. Having you there to represent the new generation of Minnesota Vikings, brother, I'm proud of you."

Cris Carter, HOF Class of 2013

"As I told you a long time ago, good news is never late. Can't wait to enjoy our relationship and how it grows over the next 20-30 years as we represent not only the Purple, but as we represent the Gold Jackets around the world."

LaTresa Doleman, Widow of Chris Doleman, HOF Class of 2012

"Congratulations, Jared, on getting inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. A little birdy told me that you really respect my husband a lot and appreciate all the help he gave you when you became a Viking, so I thank you from the bottom of my heart for remembering him and thinking of him in this special moment. From my beloved hubby Chris Doleman, congratulations and welcome to the Pro Football Hall of Fame."

Carl Eller, HOF Class of 2004

"Congratulations on making it into the brotherhood of the Pro Football Hall of Fame."

Voices from within the Vikings Circle

Kevin O'Connell, Vikings Head Coach

"What an unbelievable accomplishment. You deserve to enjoy every minute of this weekend, which I know you will. I wish I could be there to celebrate with you and your family. Your Vikings family that you've meant so much to and impacted this organization so greatly over the years is celebrating all weekend long because Jared Allen is going into the Hall of Fame. So well-deserved, so proud of you, man. Changed this game in so many ways and you continue to impact our organization on a daily basis by being around our players and team."

Rick Spielman, Vikings VP 2006-11 and GM 2012-21

"It's a true testament of your fierceness on the field, your leadership, the infectious personality that you brought into the building every day, and the sheer dominance you showed week-in and week-out on the field. To me, the dedication and success off the field is what truly set you apart. The impact you left on the field speaks for itself, but the impact you left off the field in the lives of others, especially with Homes for Wounded Warriors, truly makes you a legend of the game."

Adrian Peterson, Vikings RB 2007-16

"It's such an amazing accomplishment, and you are very deserving of it. I love you. It was amazing playing with you and being part of your journey. You are deserving of everything happening to you now. God bless."

Kevin Williams, Vikings DT 2003-13

"What's up my man, my friend, my brother. I want to send you a huge congratulations on making it into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. It's really a testament to your hard work and dedication and how well of a player you were. It was such a joy to play with you. It's something I'll cherish forever."

Chad Greenway, Vikings LB 2006-16

I was so grateful to witness it, watch it and clean up all your messes on the front. Thanks for all those extra tackles when you just went for the sack. You're one of the best men, best teammates, best leaders. You define grit and played the right way, hard every snap for the team for the fans. That's why you're one of the best ever. Congrats on the Hall of Fame. It could not be more deserved. I'm proud to call you a teammate and friend.

Leslie Frazier, Vikings Defensive Coordinator 2007-10; Head Coach 2010-13

"I can remember so many great times together. I was reminded over that six-year period that we were in Minnesota together of your many accomplishments and all the great sacks you had along the way, but the thing I remember the most … is the person that you were when you arrived in Minnesota and the person you became — a great father, tremendous husband, a great friend to your teammates, a man we're all so proud of. Yes, you are a Hall of Famer, and it's well-deserved, a tremendous player, but it's you the man that I respect so much and am so grateful for. Wishing you nothing but the best."

Compliments from competition

Multiple former foes also sent congratulatory messages, explaining what they respected about Allen's game.

Peyton Manning, HOF Class of 2021

"You're one of the best defensive ends to play this game, and you're absolutely deserving of this great honor. Fortunately for me, I didn't have to play against you very much, but trust me, when we did, we spent many hours in that meeting room, game-planning and looking for ways to slow you down. Great respect for you. Enjoy the journey."

Note: Allen's first sack as a Viking was his lone takedown of Peyton Manning. It occurred Sept. 14, 2008, in Allen's home debut in Purple (Week 2).

Aaron Rodgers, Packers, Jets and Steelers QB

"You're one of the most dominant defensive players of our generation and very well deserving of the Hall of Fame. Like we used to joke about on the field, sacking me put you in the Pro Bowl every year, so I guess you're welcome. You are the all-time single-season sacks leader, I don't care what they say, because that phantom (expletive) sack they took away from you would give you the record, so in my book and probably in most Vikings fans' books, you're the all-time single-season sacks leader my friend."

Note: Allen's highlights in the rivalry with Rodgers included a career-best 4.5 sacks, including a safety, in a 30-23 win on Monday Night Football (Oct. 5, 2009).

Eli Manning, N.Y. Giants QB 2004-19

"I'm hoping by sending this video, you may take out a few of the clips of you sacking me in your highlight reel."

Larry Fitzgerald, Cardinals WR 2004-20

"It's been unbelievable to watch you since 2004 just kind of terrorize quarterbacks all around the league. To see you immortalized in the Hall of Fame is a great honor as a friend."

Way back in Pocatello, Idaho

Note: The following is a story we initially relayed in 2022 when Allen joined the Vikings Ring of Honor, but we thought it was appropriate to include.

Vikings Assistant Head Coach Mike Pettine was in his first year among the lower level of Ravens assistant coaches, having made the jump from high school to the NFL through a role in the team's video department for the previous two seasons. That meant his pre-draft scouting territory was off the beaten path to try to find diamonds in the rough, including in Pocatello, Idaho.

But Pettine, 37 at the time, made the trek across the country to Idaho State. He laughed that he was "very paranoid that I wanted to do everything right. You know, the expense report filled out correctly. And I just wanted to make sure that when you're sent out that you're accomplishing what you want to accomplish."

There was some sentiment of perhaps sneaking another roster spot by finding a long snapper who could also be a reserve defensive lineman.

"Maybe a dozen" scouts watched Allen long snap that day at Idaho State. Pettine recalled all but one departing after the final rep. One scout lingered for a few more minutes before bolting. That left Pettine, Allen and a tight end who had been asked to stay so that a defensive workout by Allen could be better assessed.

"I want to say we were doing a drill where he had to engage and shed him as a blocker, and I think Jared pretty much torched the T-shirt off his body," Pettine said. "It struck me then this was a guy with high energy, loved to play.

"In my mind, I'm thinking this guy is really good, but maybe it's my lens that I'm used to dealing with high school guys, and probably everybody's going to look good," Pettine said.

The game tape had led Pettine to wonder if Allen might take off a play here and there that headed the other direction, but "just to see him in person, that energy and look in his eye, you could just tell how much he loved football."