Former NFL star now pursuing Olympics as curler

Published Jan 29, 2024 • Last updated Jan 29, 2024 • 1 minute read

Jared Allen of the Minnesota Vikings celebrates a sack as Matthew Stafford of the Detroit Lions looks on during the first quarter of the game on Dec. 29, 2013 at Mall of America Field at the Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome in Minneapolis. Photo by Hannah Foslien /Getty Images

One of the best defensive ends of his generation is trying his hand at a sport much different than football.

Story continues below

Jared Allen, the sackmaster who twice led the NFL in sacks and made five Pro Bowls, is trying to make the Olympics as a curler.

Allen, 41, retired from football eight years ago, first tried to become a professional golfer, but then decided he needed something that would get him to the Olympics, according to the New York Post.

First, he considered badminton but decided it required “way too much movement for me at this age,” according to the Post.

“I read the rules of curling, it was like the winners have to buy the losers beer. Most people start in their 40s, I was like, ‘Right up my alley,’ ” Allen said.

Story continues below

Allen had been scheduled to compete in New Jersey this week at the curling U.S. National Championships but withdrew from the event due to personal reasons.

Allen said he knows it won’t be easy, considering the U.S. won gold at the most recent Olympics.

We apologize, but this video has failed to load.

Try refreshing your browser, or
tap here to see other videos from our team.

You must be logged in to join the discussion or read more comments.

Create an Account

Join the Conversation

Postmedia is committed to maintaining a lively but civil forum for discussion. Please keep comments relevant and respectful. Comments may take up to an hour to appear on the site. You will receive an email if there is a reply to your comment, an update to a thread you follow or if a user you follow comments. Visit our Community Guidelines for more information.