Jared Allen sure knows how to make an entrance.
The former 12-year NFL defensive lineman rode a horse onto the field during halftime of a game between the Arizona Cardinals and Minnesota Vikings. Allen, who played six seasons for the Vikings, became the 17th member of the team’s Hall of Fame on Sunday.
The stunt was reminiscent of Allen’s retirement announcement video in February 2016, when he rode off on a horse.
Allen’s appreciation for livestock stretches back to the end of his playing days. He owned bulls in the Professional Bull Riding league, and he regularly wore a cowboy hat — like the one he donned Sunday — and boots.
Allen, 40, spent the first four seasons of his career with the Kansas City Chiefs, earning his first All-Pro honor during his final season there. He signed as a free agent with Minnesota in 2008 and went to earned two consecutive All-Pro honors. In 2011, Allen finished second in Defensive Player of the Year voting.
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The former fourth-round pick ended his career with the Chicago Bears and Carolina Panthers. He became Hall of Fame eligible last year.
Follow Chris Bumbaca on Twitter @BOOMbaca.