AP

Jared Allen apparently rode his horse as far as the nearest snowmobile.

The veteran defensive end, who finished last season with the Panthers, has signed a one-day contract with the Vikings to retire a member of the team he was best with.

Allen spent six of his 12 seasons with the Vikings, with 83.5 sacks and contributing to three 10-win seasons.

“We are incredibly proud to have Jared retire as a member of the Vikings franchise,” Vikings owner Zygi Wilf said in a statement from the team. “Jared was not only a phenomenal player on the field, but he was also a favorite among the fans and within the organization. He will always be a member of the Minnesota Vikings family.”

Allen never missed a game for the Vikings, after being acquired in a 2008 trade with the Chiefs. The former fourth-round pick is tied for ninth on the all-time sack list with 136.0.