Jared Allen to retire as a Vikings player

Jaren Allen, a defensive end who was named one of the 50 greatest Vikings, has signed a one-day contract with the team and will retire officially on Friday as a member of the Vikings, the team said Thursday.

Allen, who spent six seasons in Minnesota, was effective getting to opposing quarterbacks. His 83.5 sacks rank third on the franchise's all-time sack list. In 2011, Allen recorded a franchise-record and league-best 22 sacks, finishing only a half sack away from tying the NFL's single-season record.

He began his career with Kansas City in 2004. He played in Minnesota from 2008 to 2013. During that time, Allen posted three seasons with at least 10 wins, including the 12-4 season in 2009 in which the Vikings advanced to the NFC championship game before losing to New Orleans.

He later played for Chicago and Carolina before announcing in February that he planned to retire from the NFL.

"We are incredibly proud to have Jared retire as a member of the Vikings franchise," said Vikings Owner/Chair Zygi Wilf said in a statement. "Jared was not only a phenomenal player on the field, but he was also a favorite among the fans and within the organization."