Jared Allen says every Chiefs pass rusher lives in Derrick Thomas’s shadow

This weekend, Jared Allen is entering the Pro Football Hall of Fame. The legendary defensive end played most of his career with the Minnesota Vikings, but he was actually drafted by the Kansas City Chiefs. He played with the Chiefs for four years before being traded to the Vikings.

During the annual Hall of Fame Game, Allen was interviewed about his career. He was asked which player motivated him early on. Allen named none other than fellow Hall of Famer Derrick Thomas.

When asked why Thomas specifically, Allen said, "When you're drafted to the Chiefs, you're in his shadow, so you either have to rise and compete with that or fold. I respected him so much, watched so much tape of him, and to be worth your salt in that building, you have to live up to that standard."

One Hall of Famer points to another for his early career success

This isn't the first time Allen has referenced Thomas as a major influence on him. Still, it was pretty cool to hear Allen shout out the Chiefs legend, even though the Chiefs weren't the main team he played for.

His comment about being in Thomas's shadow when drafted by the Chiefs made me think of all the other star pass rushers the Chiefs have had over the years: Justin Houston, Tamba Hali, Chris Jones, and now George Karlaftis.

I recently pointed out how Karlaftis and Allen's careers have started out very similarly, and that by signing Karlaftis to a long-term deal, the Chiefs want to avoid another scenario where they lose a potential future Hall of Famer. I have to wonder if Karlaftis ever watches film of Thomas like Allen said he did.

Like Allen said, they have each played—or are playing—in the shadow of Thomas, arguably Kansas City's greatest defender ever. Jared was right: to be worth your salt at 1 Arrowhead Dr., you have to live up to the Thomas standard. If Karlaftis is the next Chiefs Hall of Fame defensive end, he has certainly done just that, just like Jared Allen did.