Carolina Panthers defensive end Jared Allen will start in his first Super Bowl in his 12-year NFL career Sunday, as head coach Ron Rivera announced that both Allen and linebacker Thomas Davis will start in Super Bowl 50, according to David Newton of ESPN.
Allen was ruled out of the NFC Championship game with a broken bone in his foot but has been doing everything possible to get himself ready to play in Super Bowl 50 including laser therapy. Allen was traded to the Panthers in late September and has been a strong addition to a dominant defense this season.
The Panthers defensive end immediately fit in when arriving in Carolina and has been one of the best pass rushers the league has ever seen. Allen and Packers linebacker Julius Peppers are tied for the most career sacks by an active player in the NFL with 136. Allen was limited in practice on Wednesday but was able to fully practice on both Thursday and Friday, according to Newton.
The 6-foot-5, 255-pound veteran defensive end will look to make his presence felt on Super Bowl Sunday by creating consistent pressure on Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning. Allen recorded 27 combined tackles and two sacks during the 2015 regular season and has created havoc for opposing offensive lineman throughout the course of his career. The Panthers are looking to win the first Super Bowl in the history of their franchise, and Allen would like nothing more than to be a part of history in bringing the Lombardi Trophy to Carolina.
