Larry Allen a Cowboys legend passed away at the age of 52

Larry Allen, perhaps one of the greatest Cowboys players ever and one of the best offensive linemen in NFL history, died too young.

Allen died on Sunday, aged 52. He passed away while vacationing in Mexico with his family.

The Hall of Fame inducted Larry Allen on the first vote in 2013. He was also a member of the All-Decade teams in the 1990s and the 2000s. From 1994 until 2007, Allen spent 14 seasons in the NFL, the first 12 with the Cowboys.

Allen is one of three Cowboys to have made multiple Pro Bowl appearances. He won ten Pro Bowls and seven All-Pro awards with the Cowboys. Larry Allen decided his playing career with the 49ers, where he earned his 11th Pro Bowl selection in 2006.

The Cowboys stated on Monday morning on Larry Allen’s death:

The Dallas Cowboys is profoundly saddened to inform that Cowboys icon, Super Bowl Winner, Cowboys Ring of Honor member, and Pro Football Hall of Famer Larry Allen died suddenly while on holiday in Mexico with his family on Sunday. Larry noted for his outstanding quickness and amazing power, was one of the most respected and successful offensive linemen in NFL history. His adaptability and dependability were other defining characteristics of his career. He proceeded to inspire many other players by defining what it meant to be an outstanding teammate, competitor, and winner. He was greatly loved and cared for by his wife Janelle, whom he referred to as his heart and spirit, his daughters Jayla and Loriana, and his son Larry III. The Jones family and the Cowboys express their heartfelt sympathies, thoughts, and prayers to the Allen family, as well as the many other friends and Cowboys teammates who loved Larry Allen. Memorial service plans and details will be released soon.

Larry Allen was drafted in the 2nd round of the 1994 NFL Draft out of Sonoma State in California, and he quickly proved his incredible size and strength. However, it was another trait, speed, that likely put him on the NFL radar early on.

During his rookie season in 1994, Allen raced down Saints linebacker Darion Conner after receiving a pass and tackled him from behind to save a touchdown.

Also Read, Rafael Nadal Falls Short in Possible French Open Farewell Match

Allen’s speed and quickness, given his height, surprised the MNF announcers Frank Gifford, Al Michaels, and Dan Dierdorf.

However, Allen’s strength stood out the most. Known for bench-pressing more than 700 pounds over an offseason in the early 2000s, Allen beat his opponents with physical power.

He was also quite versatile, as evidenced by his early career transition from guard to tackle. After three Pro Bowl selections at guard from 1995 to 1997, Larry Allen shifted to tackle for the 1998 season, where he garnered Pro Bowl and All-Pro accolades.

He finally returned to guard, widely regarded as one of the best players of all time.

Larry Allen was one of seven guards nominated to the NFL’s Top 100 Players list 2019.