Eager to find out more, M&F caught up with the record-breaking sacker to find out how it\u2019s all going.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt started as a bet, and I never welch on a bet\u2026 although I probably should,\u201d jokes Allen of his unlikely transition from the gridiron to the ice rink. Initially, he had high hopes of making a name for himself on the PGA tour, but eventually came to the honest realization that he wasn\u2019t up to par<\/a>.<\/p>\n Undeterred, Allen happened to see a story on Eddie \u201cThe Eagle\u201d Edwards, the unlikely Olympian ski jumper from England, and he was inspired to find a sport that he might be even worse at and then try to take it all the way to the Olympic Games. \u201cThe reward isn\u2019t worth the cost, I\u2019ll tell you that much,\u201d laughs Allen while reflecting on his newly chosen sport.<\/p>\n As a former NFL superstar who played with the Kansas City Chiefs, Minnesota Vikings, Chicago Bears, and Carolina Panthers during his 12-year career, the money available via winners purses or sponsorships in Curling is a far cry from the riches of the NFL. Still, it was never the money that drew Allen to curling in the first place. It was, of course, the chance to reconnect with his buddies and get his game face on once again. \u201cI think I just enjoy the competition of it,\u201d he says. \u201cI enjoy learning something new .. I\u2019m just kind of the personality that once I\u2019m in, I\u2019m all-in. And so, we are trying to accomplish the goal of qualifying for the (2024) Olympics.\u201d<\/p>\n While curling often looks like a relatively gentle exercise<\/a>, it is important to note that the stones weigh around 40 pounds (18 kilograms) and it takes great effort to move them. The stone is initially sent out by the thrower who actually pushes the stone into the desired direction<\/a>. \u201cSweepers\u201d then follow the stone and attempt to influence the journey of each stone by warming the ice and reducing the resistance that the stone will face.<\/p>\n![\"Former](\"https:\/\/www.muscleandfitness.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/Former-NFL-player-Jared-Allen-with-his-curling-team-on-the-ice-rink.jpg?w=200&quality=86&strip=all\")
How to Play Curling<\/h2>\n
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