A recent Tom Pelissero column from ESPN’s Twin Cities station in Minneapolis/St. Paul brings some drama to the upcoming match-up between the Kansas City Chiefs and the Minnesota Vikings. The reason is the biggest connection between the two current rosters: Jared Allen. The talented pass rusher had some harsh words for certain Chiefs personnel and their owner as he looked back on his years in Kansas City.
Allen said his reason for leaving is simple to identify. “His name was Carl Peterson. You can write that in caps. Obviously, I had a problem with (owner) Clark Hunt, too, because he chose Carl over me, huh? When everything went down there, I didn’t appreciate being lied to. I was told I’d get (a contract) extension and everything, and the way things played out, my biggest thing was, ‘Listen, I don’t lie to you guys. I show up and bust my tail for you. Don’t lie to me.’ … It’s tough to go and give your all for someone like that.”
The trade for Allen brought some nice players to Kansas City including left tackle Branden Albert and Pro Bowl running back Jamaal Charles. However Allen has continued to be an elite force at defensive end since leaving Kansas City and he already has 4.5 sacks. Both sides received value in the trade, but it’s fun to picture Allen still in a Chiefs uniform.
Expect this to be a competitive game with Allen making certain to make his presence felt on the Chiefs offensive line and, ultimately, Matt Cassel.