Cowboys Legend Larry Allen Passes Away at 52

Larry Allen, Legendary Cowboys Offensive Lineman, Passes Away at 52

FRISCO, Texas – Larry Allen, a revered figure in Cowboys history and one of the NFL’s greatest offensive linemen, passed away on Sunday at the age of 52 while vacationing in Mexico with his family.

Larry Allen had an illustrious NFL career that spanned from 1994 to 2007. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2013 on his first ballot. Allen's extraordinary talent earned him spots on the All-Decade teams for both the 1990s and 2000s. He played 14 seasons, with the first 12 years spent with the Dallas Cowboys before concluding his career with the San Francisco 49ers.

Allen's accolades include 10 Pro Bowl selections and seven All-Pro honors during his time with the Cowboys. He added another Pro Bowl selection in 2006 while with the 49ers, making him one of only three Cowboys in history to achieve double-digit Pro Bowl selections.

The Dallas Cowboys released a heartfelt statement on Monday, expressing their sorrow over Allen's sudden passing. They highlighted his exceptional athleticism, strength, versatility, and dependability, describing him as one of the most respected and accomplished offensive linemen in NFL history. The Cowboys emphasized that Allen's career continues to inspire countless players and that he embodied the essence of a great teammate, competitor, and winner.

Larry Allen is survived by his wife Janelle and their children Jayla, Loriana, and Larry III. The Cowboys organization, along with the Jones family, extended their deepest condolences to the Allen family, sharing in their grief alongside many friends and teammates who loved Larry.

Allen was drafted in the second round of the 1994 NFL Draft from Sonoma State in California. He quickly became known for his incredible combination of size, strength, and speed. One memorable moment from his rookie year was his chase-down tackle of Saints linebacker Darion Conner during a Monday Night Football game, showcasing his impressive speed and agility.

Renowned for his immense strength, Allen famously bench-pressed over 700 pounds in the early 2000s. His versatility on the field was equally notable, excelling at both guard and tackle positions. After earning three consecutive Pro Bowl selections as a guard from 1995-97, Allen moved to tackle in 1998, earning Pro Bowl and All-Pro honors before returning to guard, where he is considered one of the greatest to ever play the position.

In 2019, Allen’s legacy was further honored when he was named one of the seven guards on the NFL's Top 100 players list. His impact on the game and the memories he created will continue to inspire future generations.

Details about Larry Allen's memorial service will be announced soon as the NFL community prepares to honor and celebrate the life of a true football legend.