Jared Allen and the Minnesota Vikings soon will start what might be the final season of a productive six-year union. Look for it to start on time.
When asked Monday morning on NFL Network's "NFL AM" if he will be ready for training camp after shoulder surgery this offseason, Allen answered, "Unfortunately, yes."
"I was hoping to get a couple weeks of training camp off, but the training staff is pretty good here. So I'm ready to rock 'n' roll," Allen said.
Allen is 31, around the age that talent evaluators start looking for a decline in play to support a potential reduction in pay. Allen, who was promoting an upcoming event for his Homes for Wounded Warriors charity, still was a difference-making pass rusher last season with 12 sacks. He said he's not focused on his contract, but his performance this season will determine if he gets another huge signing bonus or a lower-cost, short-term contract like the one Dwight Freeney signed with the San Diego Chargers this offseason.
"Whatever happens will happen," Allen said. "My focus is just on football. ... For me, it's just about playing football. I always say, 'As long as you take care of your work on the field, the rest will take care of itself.'Â "
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