Jared Allen update: Carolina Panthers' defensive end retiring after 12 years in NFL

The Carolina Panthers' defensive end Jared Allen made a unique announcement of his retirement on Thursday, Feb. 18, via a Twitter video captioned "riding off into the sunset." The NFL player decided to leave his hall of fame career after 12 amazing years. 

In the video, Allen is wearing a black cowboy hat, a fleece jacket and is riding a horse.

He expresses his gratitude and announces: "I just want to say thank you for an amazing 12-year career. This is the part where I was going to ride off into the sunset, but seeing how there is no sunset, I'm just going to ride off."

He ends the video by turning his back and riding off into a snow-capped field. 

The football star also posted the video in Facebook with a statement that reads: "I want to take this time to thank my family, friends, fans and teammates who have given their continued support throughout my 12-year career. It's been a great ride for me, and I couldn't be more grateful for the memories. It is with a great deal of thought and consideration that I have decided that I will not return to football next year."

In the said statement, Allen mentioned and appreciated the teams he has participated in: Carolina Panthers, Chicago Bears, Minnesota Vikings and the Kansas City Chiefs. He ended it with: "Thanks for the life long memories."

Allen's NFL career started when he was chosen by the Kansas City Chiefs in the 2004 NFL draft out of Idaho State. After playing with this team for four seasons, he joined the Minnesota Vikings. He became a five-time Pro Bowl selection and worked out his best career during his stay with the Vikings for six seasons.

Allen was a sack leader in 2007 and 2011, and on his last game with 136. The NFL veteran was also tagged as a first-team All-Pro four times.