The entire football world is still in shock over the sudden and tragic passing of Dallas Cowboys Hall of Fame offensive lineman Larry Allen.
Allen passed away on Sunday while vacationing with his family in Mexico.
He was just 52 years of age.
“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.
He is universally regarded as one of the greatest offensive lineman in NFL history.
“The National Football League is filled with gifted athletes, but only a rare few have combined the size, brute strength, speed and agility of Larry Allen,” Pro Football Hall of Fame president Jim Porter said of Allen’s career.
“What he could do as an offensive lineman often defied logic and comprehension.
“He could literally beat the will out of his opponents, with many quitting mid-game or not dressing at all rather than face him, but that was only on the field … Off it, he was a quiet, gentle giant.”
Needless to say, his sudden and unexpected passing has sent ripples throughout the Cowboy family.
Allen was looked upon as the personal bodyguard of Hall of Fame quarterback Troy Aikman in Dallas.
Aikman didn’t mince words with just how much his friend and former teammate meant to him.
“Just received the heartbreaking news of the passing of our beloved teammate Larry Allen. He was a HOF offensive lineman that dominated opponents regardless of the position played. Off the field, he was a gentle giant that loved his family. Rest in Peace LA.”
Hall of Fame running back Emmitt Smith, another Cowboy legend and the NFL’s all-time leading rusher, also expressed his devastation over Allen’s untimely death.
Smith, whose remarkable career was significantly aided by Allen’s dominant blocking ability, stated, “My thoughts and prayers go out to his family. My heart is just broken.”
Unsurprisingly, the impact of Allen’s legacy extends beyond his former teammates to the current generation of NFL stars.
Current Cowboy All-Pro pass-rusher Micah Parsons also shared his disbelief and sadness over the tragic news.
“Wow, def someone I hoped to meet one day! RIP LEGEND!!” Parsons posted on social media.
RIP.
What are your thoughts on the horrible news?
Where do you rank Allen among the greatest offensive lineman in NFL history?