Jared Allen, the new Pro Football Hall of Fame inductee, fondly recalls his time with the Carolina Panthers as a period filled with joy and fun. Reflecting on the 2015 season, Allen expressed appreciation for playing in Charlotte with a team that achieved a 15-1 record and reached the Super Bowl. He enjoyed being part of “Luke Kuechly’s defense,” allowing him to play freely without being the focal point.
During an event unveiling his Hall of Fame locker, Allen shared insights into how sports can teach unexpected lessons. “It’s funny. It’s the least number of stats I have had, but the most success I have ever had playing football,” he remarked.
Allen joined the Panthers in a Week 4 trade and played 12 regular-season games plus two playoff matches. His participation in Super Bowl 50 marked his only appearance in the championship game. Despite some frustration over not being an every-down player due to health issues and teammate Charles Johnson’s return from injury, Allen emphasized the enjoyment he found daily at practice.
Reflecting on his career’s conclusion with Carolina, Allen stated, “It was like, pretty much, get out of your own way.” He acknowledged achieving personal goals despite considering it his worst statistical season.
At the Hall of Fame ceremony, Allen unveiled memorabilia from his career with other teams but noted that Panthers gear was absent from his display. However, items related to his time in Carolina are preserved elsewhere within the Hall’s archives.
Allen humorously recounted what might have occurred if former teammate Jordan Gross still wore jersey No. 69 upon his arrival at Carolina: “Oh, Jordan would have had to give me that (number) 69.”
Despite losing Super Bowl 50, Allen cherished ending his career alongside players like Julius Peppers and Luke Kuechly. He concluded by saying: “I could not have asked for a better way to end my career… It made football really fun.”
