Cowboys legend Larry Allen dies at age 52

 

**FRISCO, Texas** – Larry Allen, widely regarded as one of the greatest players in Cowboys history and possibly the best offensive lineman in NFL history, has passed away at the age of 52.

Allen died on Sunday while vacationing in Mexico with his family.

A first-ballot Hall of Famer inducted in 2013, Allen was named to the All-Decade teams for both the 1990s and 2000s. From 1994 to 2007, Allen played 14 NFL seasons, including the first 12 with the Cowboys.

Allen is one of only three Cowboys in team history to achieve double-digit Pro Bowl selections. He earned 10 Pro Bowl and seven All-Pro selections with the Cowboys and added an 11th Pro Bowl in 2006 during his time with the 49ers.

The Cowboys released a statement on Monday morning regarding 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 and 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 an 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 his 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 showcased his remarkable combination of size and strength. His speed also stood out early in his career, particularly during a Monday Night Football game in 1994 when he chased down Saints linebacker Darion Conner after an interception, preventing a touchdown. The MNF announcers, Frank Gifford, Al Michaels, and Dan Dierdorf, were amazed by Allen's speed and quickness.

Allen's strength was legendary, known for bench-pressing over 700 pounds in the early 2000s, allowing him to dominate his opponents. His versatility was equally impressive, moving from guard to tackle early in his career. After three Pro Bowl selections from 1995-97 at guard, Allen earned Pro Bowl and All-Pro honors as a tackle in 1998 before moving back to guard, where he cemented his legacy as one of the greatest to ever play the position.

Allen was one of seven guards named to the NFL's Top 100 players list in 2019.