Jonathan Allen Shocked by Vikings’ Locker Room: “I Felt Cheated
Jonathan Allen Says Vikings Locker Room Made Him Feel “Cheated” — And He’s Only Half Joking
Jonathan Allen may be one of the NFL’s most respected defensive tackles, but even seasoned pros can be surprised when they see how the other half lives. After spending the first eight seasons of his career with the Washington Commanders, Allen signed with the Minnesota Vikings this offseason — and what he walked into in Minnesota had him doing a double take.
In a recent appearance on Chris Long’s Green Light podcast, Allen got candid about just how different life is in Minnesota, especially when it comes to the team’s facilities. And he didn’t hold back.
“When I came here and saw they have kombucha and all the drinks in the fridge and the facility, I feel like I’ve been cheated my last eight years,” Allen said, laughing — but also clearly not joking. “These guys over here are living like this? It’s incredible.”
Allen’s surprise isn’t unfounded. The Vikings’ facilities were awarded an A+ grade in the NFLPA’s annual team report card, while the Commanders’ locker room scored a dismal F. That’s not just a small difference — it’s night and day.
But for Allen, the perks go beyond fancy drinks and a state-of-the-art locker room. What’s really impressed him is the Vikings’ focus on player performance and overall culture.
“Talking to these guys here and how they focus on getting you to perform at your best when your best is needed — I love that,” Allen said. “I can’t say enough how great the culture has been, from how they treat the families to how they treat the players. It’s just incredible.”
For a player who’s seen both ends of the NFL facility spectrum, Allen’s comments shine a light on just how much environment matters — not just for performance, but for morale. His move to Minnesota wasn’t just about football; it was a full-on lifestyle upgrade.
If the early signs are any indication, Allen’s new chapter with the Vikings is off to a dream start — and he’s not looking back.