As he promised in the hours after he watched his teammates lock up the NFC Championship, Carolina Panthers defensive end Jared Allen continues to fight his way back onto the field.
Allen was a full participant Wednesday in the Panthers' first practice ahead of the Super Bowl and less than two weeks after he broke a bone in his foot.
"My foot feels great. Thank God for that and our great training staff," Allen said.
"Honestly, I don’t feel it at all. It’s easier to run than it is to walk. I just go out there and play. No limitations. So I’m just focused on a normal week."
When coach Ron Rivera told Allen he wouldn't face the Cardinals, the 12-year veteran wasn't pleased with the decision. But it would be a surprise if Allen isn't on the field come Super Bowl Sunday.
“He’s one of those guys that you probably don’t doubt just because of who he is,” said Rivera.
After getting over the disappointment of not playing Sunday, Allen's enjoying the present. The closest he had previously come to a Super Bowl was when the Vikings lost to the Saints in overtime of the 2010 NFC Championship Game.
“I think I took Monday and yesterday and just let it sink in and let the emotional stuff go and taking care of all the business stuff," said Allen, who grew up just minutes from Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara County.
"It’s surreal. I get to go back and play in my home city."
