NFL Future Hall of Famer Jared Allen, 43, Shares Surprising Cause of Rapid Weight Loss

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NFL Future Hall of Famer Jared Allen, 43, Shares Surprising Cause of Rapid Weight Loss originally appeared on Parade.

No matter how tough you were on the gridiron or how many hits you delivered over the years, life after football can still blindside you. And for future NFL Hall of Famer Jared Allen, that blindside came in the form of a mysterious health issue that had him dropping weight fast, with no clue why.

The 43-year-old defensive end, who spent 12 seasons terrorizing quarterbacks for teams like the Vikings and Chiefs—racking up 136 sacks, five Pro Bowl appearances, and a Hall of Fame nod in 2025—opened up about the ordeal during a recent appearance on The Pat McAfee Show.

Watch the clip shared on July 31 here:

Allen explained, “I was losing weight rapidly, and I couldn’t figure out what was going on.” After testing, he revealed his doctor discovered that he had alpha-gal from getting bitten by a Lone Star tick. “It makes me allergic to the sugars in any mammal meat.” He’s now following a strict “fins and feathers” diet, avoiding mammal meat altogether.

When McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) asked if the condition is permanent, Allen shared that while it is for some, he’s optimistic that his system might eventually reset.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Lone Star tick, identified by a white spot on its back, is commonly found in the South, East, and Central U.S. Its bite can transmit a sugar molecule called alpha-gal, which triggers an allergic reaction to red meat and other mammal-derived products. For some, symptoms include hives and gastrointestinal distress; for others, it can lead to serious reactions like anaphylaxis.

Known for his relentless work ethic, signature sack celebrations, and dedication to causes like supporting wounded veterans, Allen’s story highlights a different kind of grit: adapting when your body throws you a surprise.

Whether you’re sacking quarterbacks or just trying to stay healthy at home, Allen’s experience is a reminder that resilience isn’t just for game day. Sometimes the biggest battles are the ones you never see coming.

NFL Future Hall of Famer Jared Allen, 43, Shares Surprising Cause of Rapid Weight Loss first appeared on Parade on Aug 1, 2025

This story was originally reported by Parade on Aug 1, 2025, where it first appeared.