Cowboy legend Larry Allen dies at 52
Larry Allen, arguably one of the greatest players in Cowboys history and perhaps the best offensive lineman in NFL history, has died too soon.
Allen died Sunday at the age of 52. He was vacationing in Mexico with his family when he died.
Inducted as a Hall of Famer on the inaugural ballot in 2013, Allen was a member of the All-Decade teams in both the 1990s and 2000s. From 1994 to 2007, Allen played 14 seasons in the NFL, including his first 12 with the Cowboys.
Allen is one of three Cowboys in team history to have 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 made his 11th Pro Bowl in 2006.
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The Cowboys released a statement Monday morning about Allen’s death:
The Dallas Cowboys are saddened to share that Cowboys legend, Super Bowl Champion, Cowboys Ring of Honor member and Pro Football Hall of Famer Larry Allen passed away unexpectedly while vacationing in Mexico with his family on Sunday. Larry, known for his incredible athleticism and incredible strength, was one of the most talented, respected offensive linemen to ever play in the NFL. His versatility and reliability were also a defining part of his career. Through it all, he continues to be an inspiration to many other players who define what it means to be a great teammate, competitor and winner.
He was loved and cared for by his wife, Janelle, whom he considered his heart and soul, his daughters Jayla and Loriana, and his son, Larry III.
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The Jones family and the Cowboys send their deepest condolences, thoughts and prayers to the Allen family and grieve along with the many other Cowboys friends and teammates who loved Larry.
Arrangements and details of a memorial service will be announced in due course.
Drafted in the second round of the 1994 NFL Draft out of Sonoma State in California, Allen quickly showed the world his incredible combination of size and strength. However, it was another trait — speed — that perhaps put 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 a tackle, tackling him from behind to save a touchdown. MNF announcers Frank Gifford, Al Michaels, and Dan Dierdorf were amazed by Allen’s speed and agility for his size.
But for the most part, Allen’s strength stood out. Known for pressing over 700 pounds in a season in the early 2000s, Allen dominated opponents with his brute strength.
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He was also quite versatile, which he showed early in his career when he switched from guard to tackle. After three Pro Bowl selections from 1995-97, Allen moved to tight end for the 1998 season and also earned Pro Bowl and All-Pro honors that year. He eventually returned to guard, where he is considered one of the greatest to ever play the position.
Allen was one of seven guards named to the NFL’s top 100 players list released in 2019.
