What was likely Peyton Manning's "last rodeo" was also the final game for the defensive end nicknamed "Rodeo."
Jared Allen on Thursday announced his retirement in a uniquely Allen way:
Riding off into the sunset pic.twitter.com/wZXovseGKS
— Jared Allen (@JaredAllen69) February 18, 2016
If the Panthers had beaten Manning and the Broncos in Super Bowl 50, Allen could have ridden off into a proverbial sunset. But it was still one heck of a career for a guy who built up an argument for the Hall of Fame.
In 12 seasons with the Chiefs, Vikings, Bears and Panthers, Allen racked up 136 sacks. That ties him with Julius Peppers for ninth all-time.
Allen, who was on his last legs when Chicago traded him to Carolina in September, played 14 games with the Panthers, including the Super Bowl with a broken bone in his foot. In 627 snaps, he had 28 tackles and two sacks, with his final sack coming in Week 8 against the Colts.
The Panthers sent the Bears a 2016 sixth-round draft pick for Allen, who had an $8.5 million cap hit this upcoming season. So if he hadn't retired, the Panthers would have released him. Carolina now has about $30 million in estimated cap space for 2016.
In a more traditional retirement announcement, Allen said this, via agent Ken Harris:
"I want to take this time to thank my family, friends fans, and teammates who have given their continued support throughout my 12-year career. It’s been a great ride for me, and I couldn’t be more grateful for the memories.
"It is with a great deal of thought and consideration that I have decided that I will not return to football next year.
"I want to thank the Carolina Panthers, Chicago Bears, Minnesota Vikings, and the Kansas City Chiefs organizations, who provided me with an opportunity to live out my dream and to be a part of their wonderful communities. Thanks for the life long memories."
Panthers players react to Allen retirement