Jared Allen has said that he feels mentally and physically strong following his knee and shoulder surgery this off-season.

Following the operations, the Minnesota Vikings defensive end is fully fit for the first time since 2011.

The 31-year-old told USA Today: "I don't buy into '30 and you're old', but I do feel like I'm back there. I feel that's where I'm at mentally, physically, and I feel like we have a team that can even make it better.

"You've got to average 10 sacks a year for 20 years or you've got to average like 15 for [13 or 14 years]. The numbers are tough.

"When I get to that point in my career to where they're like, 'Well, we think someone else can do it better every single down'. I'll graciously step aside, enjoy my family and raise kids."

Allen recorded 12 sacks for the Vikings in 2012.

Written by
Sian Cowper