NFL legend reveals emotional reason he’s quitting Tennessee to move back to California — despite slamming state’s soaring cost of living

See more of our coverage in your search results. He’s calling an audible. NFL legend Jared Allen is leaving his Tennessee ranch and returning to his native California to give his kids the same childhood he had in the Golden State. “I’m one of the rare people moving back to the state of California,” Allen said in a promotional video for the Republican Party’s candidate for governor, Steve Hilton. NFL legend Jared Allen (pictured here) is leaving his Tennessee ranch and returning to his native California. jaredallen69/instagram The athlete made the decision in hopes of giving his two daughters (seen above) the same childhood he had in the Golden State. jaredallen69/instagram “I grew up here. I grew up in the Bay Area, and I have such fond memories of California, and I want my kids to be able to experience the California that I experienced growing up.” The Pro Football Hall of Fame finalist fondly recalled growing up “skiing up in Tahoe in the morning [and being] back in Santa Cruz fishing in the evening.” The 44-year-old also emphasized that “a tank of gas wasn’t much more than a dollar” when he first got his driver’s license and expressed his disappointment in how the state has gotten unaffordable over the past few decades. “I’m one of the rare people moving back to the state of California,” Allen (pictured on his Tennessee ranch) said. jaredallen69/instagram “I want my kids to be able to experience the California that I experienced growing up,” the retired athlete (seen above) explained. jaredallen69/instagram “I can remember an affordable California. I grew up on a rein-cut horse ranch. It wasn’t like we were affluent and had endless means.” He continued, “We were able to have almost every experience you could want as a child. “You have the ocean, you have the mountains, you have agriculture, you have such a vibrant food scene. I remember California of go-getters, of doers, of innovators, and that’s what I want my kids surrounded by. I want my kids surrounded by people that are reaching for the stars. Jared, who is making the move with wife, Amy Allen (seen above), and their two daughters, also expressed his hopes that they will get the same “affordable California” he grew up in. jaredallen69/instagram Jared (pictured with one of his daughters) said he remembers when “a tank of gas wasn’t much more than a dollar” and wants prices to be like that again. jaredallen69/instagram Want more celebrity and pop culture news? Start your day with Page Six Daily. Thanks for signing up! “Let’s make our car registration the same as what everybody else is paying around the country. No matter what political party you’re affiliated with, you have those everyday expenses that we’re trying to lower,” he encouraged citizens of California. “I’m just excited for the potential to have a common sense approach to everyday life here on the great state of California,” he concluded. Jared has lived in Tennessee with his wife, Amy Allen, and their two daughters, Brinley and Lakelyn. No matter what political party you’re affiliated with, you have those everyday expenses that we’re trying to lower,” Jared (pictured playing for the Chiefs in 2007) encouraged. Getty Images “I’m just excited for the potential to have a common sense approach to everyday life here on the great state of California,” the Pro Football Hall of Fame finalist (pictured with the Vikings in 2011) concluded. Getty Images The athlete was selected by the Kansas City Chiefs in the fourth round of the 2004 NFL draft. He announced his retirement in February 2016 after his run with the California Panthers. Jared was elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2025. Community Guidelines Welcome to the Page Six Community! Our community is about connecting people through open and thoughtful conversations. We want our readers to share their views and exchange ideas in a safe space. In order to do so, we've created a simple set of rules that will improve your experience. Simply put, keep it civil. Your post will/might be rejected if it contains: Spam Insults, profanity, incoherent, obscene or inflammatory language and threats of any kind Attacks on the identity of other commenters or the article's author User accounts will/might be blocked if we notice: Continuous attempts to re-post comments that have been previously moderated/rejected Racist, sexist, or homophobic comments Attempts or tactics that put the site security at risk So, how can you be a power user? Stay on topic and share your passion. Feel free to elaborate to get your point across. 'Like' or 'Dislike' when you are filled with emotions! Protect your community. Use the report tool to alert us when someone breaks the rules. Thanks for reading our community guidelines. Don't forget, freedom of speech is not the freedom of reach!