FRISCO, Texas – Larry Allen, arguably one of the greatest players in the history of the Cowboys and perhaps the best offensive linemen in the NFL history, has passed away far too soon.
Allen died on Sunday at the age of just 52 years old. He was vacationing in Mexico with his family when he passed away.
Inducted as a first-ballot Hall of Famer in 2013, Allen was a member of the All-Decade team both in the 1990s and 2000s. From 1994 to 2007, Allen played 14 seasons in the NFL, including the first 12 with the Cowboys.
Allen is one of three Cowboys in team history with double-digit Pro Bowl selections. He had 10 Pro Bowls and seven All-Pro selections with the Cowboys. Allen finished his playing career with the 49ers and earned an 11th Pro Bowl in 2006.
The Cowboys released a statement on Monday morning on Allen’s death:
The Dallas Cowboys are very saddened to share that Cowboys legend, Super Bowl Champion, Cowboys Ring of Honor member, and Pro Football Hall of Famer Larry Allen passed away suddenly while on vacation in Mexico with his family on Sunday. Larry, known for his great athleticism and incredible strength, was one of the most respected, accomplished offensive linemen to ever play in the NFL. His versatility and dependability were also signature parts of his career. Through that, he continued to serve as inspiration for many other players defining what it meant to be a great teammate, competitor and winner.
He was deeply loved and cared for by his wife, Janelle – whom he referred to as his heart and soul, his daughters Jayla and Loriana and son, Larry III.
The Jones family and the Cowboys extend their deepest condolences, thoughts and prayers to the Allen family and grieve along with the many other friends and Cowboys teammates that also loved Larry.
Memorial service arrangements and details will be announced in the near future.
Drafted in the second round of the 1994 NFL Draft out of Sonoma State in California, Allen quickly showed the world his awesome combination of size and strength. However, it was another trait – speed – that probably got him on the NFL map early on. During a Monday Night Football game in New Orleans during his rookie year in 1994, Allen chased down Saints linebacker Darion Conner after an interception, tackling him from behind to save a touchdown. The MNF announcers of Frank Gifford, Al Michaels and Dan Dierdorf were blown away in amazement of Allen’s speed and quickness for his size.
But for the most part, it was Allen’s strength that stood out the most. Known for bench-pressing over 700 pounds during an offseason in the early 2000s, Allen dominated his opponents by his brute strength.
Also, he was rather versatile as well, showing that early in his career when he moved from guard to tackle. After three Pro Bowl selections from 1995-97 at guard, Allen moved to tackle for the 1998 season and also earned Pro Bowl and All-Pro honors that year. He eventually moved back to guard, where is arguably one of the greatest to ever play the position.
Allen was one of seven guards named to the NFL’s Top 100 players list that came out in 2019.