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CANTON — Pass rusher Jared Allen was known for his charisma and quick wit in addition to his incredible play on the field. That was on full display during his Pro Football Hall of Fame Enshrinement speech on Saturday, Aug. 2 at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium.
Allen made an immediate impression by wearing a white cowboy hat with golden trim while taking the stage. The five-time Pro Bowler boiled down his success to three traits that he believed led to his 136 career sacks and his enshrinement.
“I was a PR marketing major,” Allen said. “I dropped out of college twice so people that know me are probably asking, ‘why are you talking about your major.’ Well, one of the things I learned in college was to sell your why. The ‘what’ is the product. The ‘why’ is what makes you different. It’s your long game. It’s what drives you to get up and achieve your goal. I boiled my ‘why’ down to three points. Fear, respect and pursuit of greatness.”
Allen elaborated on each point. His definition of fear was different than what you might expect.
“My definition of fear is a healthy fear of failure,” Allen said. “It motivates you to do whatever you can to succeed. It’s about getting knocked down, learning why it happened and working towards making sure it doesn’t happen again.”
Honoring past legends of the game was a big part of his second trait.
“Respect is the respect of my peers and those who came before me.” Allen said. “I’ll never forget getting a message from Jack Youngblood telling me I play the game the right way. That meant more to me than all of my Pro Bowl or All-Pro honors.”
Refusing to be satisfied by success was what defined his third trait.
“The pursuit of greatness,” Allen said. “I had the NFL sack leaders taped up in my locker so I could see greatness every day I came in. Seeing that picture looking back at me meant that I never got complacent.”
Allen’s speech was driven by those around him rather than personal accomplishments. Allen shared why he believed the color gold was fitting for the jackets that Pro Football Hall of Fame Inductees are given to wear.
“I’d like to believe they chose it because gold is a reflective medal,” Allen said. “None of us stand up here alone. I believe my jacket is a reflection of all that my coaches, teammates and family poured into my life and career.”
Reach Cliff at cliff.hickman@cantonrep.com
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