For the fourth consecutive year, Vikings legend Jared Allen has come up short for enshrinement into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. He’s been a finalist all four years since becoming eligible in 2021, but he again fell short of the 80 percent vote needed for induction in the class of 2024, according to the Denver Gazette’s Chris Tomasson. The inductees will officially be announced at the NFL Honors show on Thursday night. So far, reports have indicated that Julius Peppers and Devin Hester have made the cut as modern-era finalists. Up to five players can get in each year. This year’s group of finalists also includes names like Antonio Gates, Rodney Harrison, Patrick Willis, Andre Johnson, Reggie Wayne, Torry Holt, and Dwight Freeney. This is disappointing for Allen, who might be wondering if he’s ever going to get in. There’s no maximum time that players can remain on the ballot — so there’s a good chance he’ll be a finalist again next year — but the longer you go without getting inducted, the more you might question if it’s going to happen at some point. Allen certainly has a strong case to make for enshrinement, which makes it a bit surprising that he hasn’t gotten in over his four years as a finalist. He’s tied for 16th in NFL history with 136 sacks, 85.5 of which came during six incredible seasons with the Vikings. With Peppers included in the class of 2024, everyone above Allen on the all-time sack list will be in the Hall except for Terrell Suggs, who is eligible for the first time next year and is basically a lock to make it. Allen was a Pro Bowler five times and a first team All-Pro four times. In 2011, he had a Vikings record 22 sacks and finished second behind Suggs in Defensive Player of the Year voting. Allen had 171 total tackles for loss in his career, and his 32 forced fumbles ranks in the top 25 in NFL history. He also had 19 fumble recoveries, six interceptions, two touchdowns, and 58 pass breakups in his illustrious career. Maybe 2025 will be Allen’s year.
