Asher Allen, a defensive back who has played three seasons for the Vikings and who just turned 24 years old, has abruptly retired.
Vikings coach Leslie Frazier told reporters today that Allen informed the team last week that he decided to call it quits. Frazier described himself as very surprised by Allen’s decision, and it’s impossible not to be surprised: NFL players just don’t walk away from the game, by choice, at the age of 24.
Allen retired because he recently became one of Jehovah’s Witnesses. He reached the decision shortly after being drafted, but wanted to fulfill his obligation to the Minnesota Vikings. The concussion issues may have been a catalyst to accelerating his timetable, but this was already in the cards.
I just heard that he was at my cousins wedding this weekend. He is now baptized, and just quit the NFL about 2 weeks ago.
elder-schmelder