Dallas Cowboys Hall of Fame offensive lineman Larry Allen passed away suddenly on Sunday while vacationing with his family in Mexico.
Allen is widely regarded as one of the greatest offensive lineman in NFL history.
He was just 52 years old.
“Larry, known for his great athleticism and incredible strength, was one of the most respected, accomplished offensive linemen to ever play in the NFL,” the Dallas Cowboys said in a team statement.
“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 Lariana, 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,” the statement concluded.
Allen, a second-round pick out of Sonoma State in 1994, quickly rose to prominence in the NFL.
He spent 12 seasons with the Cowboys, earning 11 Pro Bowl selections and winning a Super Bowl in 1995. His remarkable career culminated in his induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2013.
The Cowboys announced that memorial service arrangements will be disclosed in the near future.
Allen’s journey to NFL greatness was marked by resilience.
Raised in Compton, California, he faced numerous challenges, including being stabbed 12 times while protecting one of his brothers.
Despite a turbulent upbringing that saw him attend four different high schools, Allen found his calling in football. He excelled at Butte College before enrolling at Sonoma State University, a Division II school north of San Francisco.
The Cowboys ended up drafting him in the second-round (#46 overall) in 1994.
Throughout his career, Allen showcased his versatility by playing multiple positions on the offensive line.
His strength was legendary, with tales of him bench pressing 700 pounds. His speed, especially for his size, amazed many, as demonstrated by his memorable chase-down of New Orleans Saints linebacker Darien Conner during an interception return in 1994.
Allen’s work-ethic, dedication and unshakable resilience made him one of the most beloved Cowboys of all-time.
We’ll keep you updated on any further details that may come from this tragic story…
RIP to Larry Allen – a true NFL legend.