CANTON, Ohio (AP) — Jared Allen said it was fitting that he played for the Minnesota Vikings.
The reason? He's a real Norseman, claiming to be about 60 percent Norwegian.
And he said that combination led him to greatness, and the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio.
"I'm a firm believer that God puts people in your life at the appropriate time," said Allen - resplendent in his white cowboy hat, form-fitting blue jeans, and gold Hall of Fame jacket - as he directed his comments to Vikings team officials in the audience at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium.
"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," he said.
Allen became emotional when talking about his family, acknowledging that his two young daughters are his real legacy.
“You almost appreciate it more,” Jared Allen said of one of the smallest Hall of Fame classes ever. “Nothing comes easy. When I found out it was only four, it became more special. There’s a true emphasis on what it means to be a Hall of Famer. Clearly we fit that. For me, it was kind of a sigh of relief.”
Also inducted on Saturday were Antonio Gates, Jared Allen, Eric Allen and Sterling Sharpe.
New rules were instituted this year after a push by Hall of Famers to make the Hall more exclusive, and that led directly to the smaller class. The modern era candidates were voted from 15 down to seven in the final stage, instead of five in past years.
The 49 voters then got to vote for five of the seven with anyone reaching 80% or finishing in the top three getting into the Hall. In past years, the five finalists all got an up-or-down vote with all five getting in for the past 17 years.
The candidates from the seniors, coach and contributor categories were then all placed in a group with voters picking three. Candidates also needed 80% support with the top finisher automatically getting in even if he fell short.
Allen was a four-time All-Pro who finished his career with 136 sacks, including a league-leading 22 in 2011 for Minnesota. He also led the league in sacks with 15 1/2 for Kansas City in 2007 and reached double digits in seven straight seasons. His final game was a Super Bowl loss for Carolina against Denver in the 2015 season.
He's one of 23 former Vikings now in the Hall of Fame.
"Dream your dreams, and always pursue greatness in whatever you do," said Allen.