Retired NFL star Jared Allen formed a curling team with other former players. They're aiming for the 2022 Winter Olympics

    By Jill Martin, CNN

    Updated 1642 GMT (0042 HKT) January 4, 2019

    Former NFL star defensive end Jared Allen and three other former NFL players who have never curled before will attempt to qualify for the US championships against curlers who have been throwing stones for most of their lives.
    Former NFL star defensive end Jared Allen and three other former NFL players who have never curled before will attempt to qualify for the US championships against curlers who have been throwing stones for most of their lives.

    (CNN)Jared Allen spent 12 years in the NFL terrorizing quarterbacks with 136 career sacks, 11th all-time in league history. A four-time All Pro and five-time Pro Bowler, Allen is likely a Pro Football Hall of Fame candidate when he becomes eligible in 2021.

    But he has some major plans for 2022.
    Allen has Olympic aspirations in curling. His teammates are three former NFL players in quarterback Marc Bulger, linebacker Keith Bulluck and offensive tackle Michael Roos. And while they've only been curling since March, this isn't a joke.
      The group, dubbed the All-Pro Curling Team, is serious about representing the US at the Beijing Games. This week they're competing at the USA Curling Men's Challenge in Blaine, Minnesota, vying to reach the national championships.
      Allen, right, practices with his curling team for a competition as coach and former Olympian John Benton watches in Blaine, Minnesota.
      Allen, right, practices with his curling team for a compet