Two prominent figures from the Kansas City Chiefs’ storied history are now one step closer to being inducted into the prestigious Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio. On December 28, the Pro Football Hall of Fame announced its 15 modern-era finalists for the Class of 2025, which included two former Chiefs players: Jared Allen, a standout pass rusher, and Terrell Suggs, a Super Bowl LIV champion.
These two athletes, both known for their exceptional careers and impressive performances as pass rushers, are now in contention for the honor of being enshrined in the Hall of Fame.
In addition to Allen and Suggs, the announcement also included news of Jim Tyrer, a former Chiefs offensive lineman, being named a senior finalist for the Class of 2025. This means that there is the possibility that three former Chiefs players could be inducted into the Hall of Fame in the same year. This is a significant moment for the franchise, as it could lead to a historic moment for Kansas City, with several key figures in the team’s history potentially receiving the ultimate recognition for their contributions to the sport.
For the fifth consecutive year, Jared Allen has reached the finalist round for the Pro Football Hall of Fame enshrinement. His continued presence among the final candidates highlights the lasting impact he had on the game. Among the other finalists for the Class of 2025, only wide receivers Torry Holt (formerly of the Rams) and Reggie Wayne (formerly of the Colts) have been selected as finalists more times than Allen, with both having reached this stage six times. This raises an important question for fans and analysts alike: will 2025 be the year that Allen finally earns his place in Canton, or will he have to continue waiting for this honor?
Jared Allen certainly has the credentials to justify his inclusion in the Hall of Fame. Drafted by the Kansas City Chiefs in the fourth round of the 2004 NFL Draft, Allen came from Idaho State University, where he had an impressive collegiate career. He played the first four seasons of his NFL career with the Chiefs, quickly establishing himself as a force on the defensive line. In his rookie season of 2004, Allen started 10 games, recording 31 total tackles, 9 sacks, and 10 tackles for loss. His breakout season came in 2007, when he led the entire NFL in sacks with 15.5, earning both First-Team All-Pro honors and a Pro Bowl selection. This performance set the tone for what would become a remarkable career.
In 2008, Allen was traded to the Minnesota Vikings, where he would go on to play the majority of his NFL career. Over the course of 11 seasons, Allen would also play for the Chicago Bears and the Carolina Panthers. Throughout his career, he earned numerous accolades, including four First-Team All-Pro selections, five Pro Bowl appearances, and two NFL sack titles. Allen finished his career with 136 sacks, 43 of which came during his time with the Chiefs. His total ranks him at No. 12 on the NFL’s all-time sack list, further cementing his legacy as one of the greatest pass rushers the game has seen.
Terrell Suggs, like Allen, was known for his dominance on the defensive side of the ball, particularly as a pass rusher. Suggs, who spent the majority of his career with the Baltimore Ravens, will always be remembered for his significant contributions to the team. However, his story with the Chiefs took an interesting turn when he joined the team in 2019. After requesting his release from the Arizona Cardinals, Suggs was claimed off waivers by Kansas City. In just a brief stint with the Chiefs, Suggs made an immediate impact, helping to bolster the team’s pass rush and run defense as they made their way toward Super Bowl LIV. Suggs brought with him invaluable experience, having won Super Bowl XLVII with the Ravens in 2012, and he contributed to the Chiefs’ first Super Bowl victory in 50 years.
Suggs’ career stats are nothing short of remarkable. Over his 16 seasons in the NFL, Suggs played in 244 regular-season games. He recorded 139 sacks, ranking him eighth on the NFL’s all-time sack list. In addition, he accumulated 202 tackles for loss, 37 forced fumbles, 15 fumble recoveries, seven interceptions, 63 passes defended, and three defensive touchdowns. Though his time with the Chiefs was brief, Suggs made his mark, recording a sack, a tackle for loss, and a pass defended in just five regular and postseason games with the team.
As the selection process for the Class of 2025 moves forward, the Hall of Fame’s Selection Committee will evaluate the modern-era finalists and ultimately determine who will be enshrined in Canton. The final announcement of the Class of 2025 will take place on February 6 during the NFL Honors ceremony, which will be broadcast live from New Orleans, Louisiana, on FOX and NFL Network at 9 p.m. ET. The excitement surrounding the announcement has Chiefs fans eagerly awaiting news of whether Allen and Suggs will finally receive the honor they deserve.
The Class of 2025 will officially be inducted into the Hall of Fame next August, with the enshrinement ceremony expected to take place on August 2. The Hall of Fame festivities will also include the Hall of Fame Game, an annual event to kick off the NFL preseason, which will take place on July 31. The exact teams that will participate in the Hall of Fame Game are yet to be announced. Additionally, the Enshrinees’ Gold Jacket Dinner will take place, giving fans and former players the opportunity to celebrate the newest inductees to the Hall of Fame.
The potential induction of Jared Allen and Terrell Suggs, alongside Jim Tyrer’s candidacy as a senior finalist, would represent a historic moment for the Kansas City Chiefs. The franchise, which has seen so much success over the years, could soon see three of its all-time greats enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame in a single year. This would not only be a testament to the legacy of these individual players but also a reflection of the Chiefs’ continued success in developing and supporting top-tier talent in the NFL.
The 2025 Hall of Fame class is shaping up to be a significant one, and with the potential for multiple Chiefs players to be inducted, the excitement surrounding the announcement is only growing. Fans will be eagerly watching on February 6 to see if Allen and Suggs, along with Jim Tyrer, will receive the recognition they so richly deserve.
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