Jared Allen claims he is 'riding off into the sunset' after 12 years in NFL
Friday 19 February 2016 11:16, UK
Carolina Panthers’ Jared Allen has become the latest player to announce his retirement via a unique Twitter post.
After Marshawn Lynch called time on his career by posting a picture of his cleats hanging from a telephone cable, Allen followed suit with an announcement on horseback.
"Riding off into the sunset" he wrote, accompanied by a video of himself riding a horse in a snowy field.
It's been a great ride for me, and I couldn't be more grateful for the memories. It is with a great deal of thought and consideration that I have decided that I will not return to football next year.
He later released a statement saying: "I want to take this time to thank my family, friends, fans and teammates who have given their continued support throughout my 12 year career.
"It's been a great ride for me, and I couldn't be more grateful for the memories. It is with a great deal of thought and consideration that I have decided that I will not return to football next year.
"I want to thank the Carolina Panthers, Chicago Bears, Minnesota Vikings and the Kansas City Chiefs organisations, who provided me with an opportunity to live out my dream and to be a part of their wonderful communities. Thanks for the life long memories.''
The 33-year-old defensive end represented Carolina at Super Bowl 50, playing through the pain barrier having suffered a broken foot just two weeks earlier. Carolina eventually lost to the Denver Broncos.
His 136 sacks were the highest for an active player until Thursday's retirement. In the 2015 season he had two sacks in 12 regular season games for Carolina.
