Jared Allen's Journey to Immortality

Born on April 3, 1982, in Dallas, Texas, Jared Scot Allen developed into one of the most feared defensive ends of his generation, known for his relentless motor, signature sack celebration, and unparalleled ability to get after the quarterback.

✦ College Career

Allen's football journey began at Idaho State University, where he quickly established himself as a dominant force. Playing from 2000 to 2003, he became a two-time First-team I-AA All-American and a three-time First-team All-Big Sky honoree. In his senior year of 2003, Allen's exceptional performance earned him the prestigious Buck Buchanan Award, recognizing him as the top defensive player in Division I-AA football. That season, he recorded an astounding 17.5 sacks, 102 tackles, and 28 tackles for loss, leading Idaho State to its first back-to-back eight-win seasons in school history. He concluded his collegiate career with 38.5 sacks and 250 tackles.

✦ Road to the Pro Game

Despite his impressive collegiate production, Allen was considered an unconventional prospect and was selected by the Kansas City Chiefs in the fourth round (126th overall) of the 2004 NFL Draft. This relatively late draft position belied the impact he would soon have on the professional game. Allen wasted no time proving doubters wrong, quickly becoming a cornerstone of the Chiefs' defense and demonstrating that his small-school background was no hindrance to his NFL success.

✦ Football Legacy

Jared Allen's NFL legacy is defined by his tenacity, durability, and his almost unparalleled ability to bring down opposing quarterbacks. He was a disruptive force against both the pass and the run, combining raw power with surprising agility. Beyond his on-field performance, Allen was known for his engaging personality and his "sack celebrations," which added a memorable flair to his dominant plays. He retired tied for the NFL record for most career safeties with four, showcasing his ability to make game-changing plays in critical situations. His consistent excellence across multiple teams cemented his status as one of the elite defensive ends of his era, culminating in his election to the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

✦ Accolades, Awards, and Career Stats

✦ Pro Football Hall of Fame: Class of 2025 inductee

✦ NFL Teams Played On:

✦ Kansas City Chiefs (2004–2007)

✦ Minnesota Vikings (2008–2013)

✦ Chicago Bears (2014–2015)

✦ Carolina Panthers (2015)

Career NFL Stats:

✦ Games Played: 187

✦ Total Tackles: 648

✦ Sacks: 136.0 (ranked among the top all-time at the time of his retirement)

✦ Forced Fumbles: 32

✦ Fumble Recoveries: 19 (including 1 defensive touchdown)

✦ Interceptions: 6 (including 1 defensive touchdown)

✦ Pass Deflections: 57

✦ Safeties: 4 (tied for most career safeties in NFL history)

✦ Awards and Honors:

✦ 5x Pro Bowl (2007, 2008, 2009, 2011, 2012)

✦ 4x First-team All-Pro (2007, 2008, 2009, 2011)

✦ 2x NFL Sacks Leader (2007, 2011)

✦ PFWA NFL All-Rookie Team (2004)

✦ Minnesota Vikings Ring of Honor

✦ Buck Buchanan Award (2003)

✦ 2x First-team I-AA All-American (2002, 2003)

✦ 3x First-team All-Big Sky (2001, 2002, 2003)

Relive the improbable Hall of Fame career of Emmitt Thomas, an undrafted defensive back who became a cornerstone of the Kansas City Chiefs' defense.

"Lockdown" Legend: The Unbelievable Journey of Emmitt Thomas

Born on June 3, 1943, in Angleton, Texas, Emmitt Thomas defied expectations from the very beginning of his professional football journey. Despite his impressive 6-foot-2, 192-pound frame and undeniable athletic talent, the defensive back from Bishop College in Dallas, Texas, went unselected in the 1966 NFL Draft. However, the Kansas City Chiefs, recognizing his potential, signed him as a free agent, a decision that would prove to be one of the franchise's shrewdest moves.

College Career:

Emmitt Thomas honed his skills at Bishop College, a historically Black college. While primarily known for his defensive prowess in the pros, Thomas showcased his versatility in college, playing wide receiver and even some quarterback in addition to his duties in the secondary. It was his athletic ability and raw talent that caught the eye of a Chiefs scout, leading to his unexpected opportunity in professional football.

Road to the Pro Game:

Going undrafted presented a significant hurdle, but Thomas seized his chance with the Chiefs. He made the team in 1966 and quickly proved his worth. Despite the initial oversight by other NFL teams, Thomas's talent and dedication shone through, earning him a spot on the Chiefs' roster and the beginning of a remarkable career.

Football Legacy:

Emmitt Thomas became a cornerstone of the Kansas City Chiefs' defense for 13 seasons (1966-1978), establishing himself as one of the premier cornerbacks of his era. His impact on the franchise is undeniable, setting a Chiefs' club record with 58 career interceptions, a mark that still stands. The 1969 season was particularly special, as he led the AFL with 9 interceptions, followed by an incredible playoff performance with three more picks, including one in the Chiefs' Super Bowl IV victory over the Minnesota Vikings. In 1974, he recorded an astounding 12 interceptions, just two shy of the NFL record at the time. A five-time All-AFL/AFC selection and five-time Pro Bowler, Thomas also earned All-NFL honors in multiple years during the early 1970s. His consistent excellence and ball-hawking abilities earned him a well-deserved enshrinement into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2008. His journey from an overlooked prospect to a Hall of Famer exemplifies perseverance and talent.

✦ Accolades, Awards, and Career Stats: Pro Football Hall of Fame (2008)
Super Bowl Champion (IV)
AFL Champion (1966)

5-time Pro Bowl selection (1968, 1971, 1972, 1974, 1975)

5-time All-AFL/AFC selection (1969, 1971, 1972, 1974, 1975)
All-NFL First Team (1974)
All-NFL Second Team (1969, 1971, 1975)
AFL Interceptions Leader (1969)
NFL Interceptions Leader (1974)
Kansas City Chiefs Career Interception Leader (58)
NFL Career Stats: 181 games played, 58 interceptions, 937 interception return yards, 5 interception touchdowns.