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Top 10 first-time eligible candidates for the Hall of Fame in 2021

By Russell S. Baxter

INDIANAPOLIS - JANUARY 02: Peyton Manning #18 of the Indianapolis Colts throws a pass during NFL game against the Tennessee Titans at Lucas Oil Stadium on January 2, 2011 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS - JANUARY 02: Peyton Manning #18 of the Indianapolis Colts throws a pass during NFL game against the Tennessee Titans at Lucas Oil Stadium on January 2, 2011 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) /
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GREEN BAY, WI – DECEMBER 02: Jared Allen #69 of the Minnesota Vikings rushes against the Green Bay Packers during the game at Lambeau Field on December 2, 2012 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. The Packers won 23-14. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
GREEN BAY, WI – DECEMBER 02: Jared Allen #69 of the Minnesota Vikings rushes against the Green Bay Packers during the game at Lambeau Field on December 2, 2012 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. The Packers won 23-14. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /

3. Jared Allen, DE, Minnesota Vikings and Kansas City Chiefs

Defensive end Jared Allen was originally a fourth-round draft choice of the Kansas City Chiefs in 2004 from Idaho State. He spent four seasons with the franchise and certainly made his mark, totaling 43 sacks, 14 forced fumbles, one interception and eight fumble recoveries in 61 regular-season outings.

The Chiefs were a playoff team in his third season and he was a Pro Bowler and an All-Pro in his final year with the club.

Unable to agree on a new contract, Kansas City opted to deal the fierce pass rusher to the Minnesota Vikings. Allen would really blossom in the Twin Cities and during his six-year stay with that team, totaled 85.5 quarterback traps, 16 forced fumbles, four more interceptions and nine fumble recoveries. He was a Pro Bowler four times and a three-time All-Pro with the Purple Gang.

His final two stops in the league were with the Chicago Bears and Carolina Panthers. When it was all said and done, his 12-year NFL career added up to 136 sacks, 25 takeaways (including 6 interceptions) and 32 forced fumbles. He twice led the league in quarterback traps, including a mind-boggling 22 sacks in 2011 with the Vikings. He was quite the force made life miserable for many quarterbacks, most notably Green Bay’s Aaron Rodgers.

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