Dallas Cowboys Hall of Fame offensive lineman Larry Allen died suddenly Sunday while vacationing in Mexico with his family, the team announced Monday.
He is 52 years old.
“Larry, known for his athleticism and incredible strength, was one of the most respected, talented offensive linemen to ever play in the NFL. His versatility and dependability were signature pieces of his career. Through it all, he served as a constant inspiration. To many other players, a great teammate, competitor and defines what it means to be a winner,” the team said in a statement.
“He was deeply loved and cherished by his wife, Janelle — whom he referred to as his heart and soul — his daughters, Jayla and Loriana, and son, Larry III. The Jones family and the Cowboys extend their deepest condolences and thoughts. Prayers to the Allen family and the many who loved Larry. I mourn with friends and Cowboys teammates.”
He said the arrangements for commemorating the cowherd soldiers would be announced soon.
Allen was a second-round pick out of Sonoma State in 1994 and quickly became one of the most dominant offensive linemen in the NFL.
He was named to the Pro Bowl 11 times and was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2013. He played for the Cowboys from 1994-2005, winning a Super Bowl in 1995. He spent his final two seasons with the San Francisco 49ers. .
Allen overcame a challenging upbringing in Compton, California. Once he was stabbed 12 times while protecting one of his brothers. He attended four different high schools before attending Budd College. He later starred at Sonoma State, where the Cowboys discovered the raw but talented Allen and took him with the 46th pick.
He protected Cowboys quarterbacks from Troy Aikman to Tony Romo and was once converted from guard to tackle in games. He played right tackle, right guard and left tackle, but mostly at left guard and was a six-time first-team All-Pro. He was named to the 2000 All-Decade Team.
His feats of strength in the Cowboys weight room are legendary, once bench-pressing 700 pounds. His speed for the frame amazed many, including when he chased down New Orleans Saints linebacker Darian Connor on an interception return in 1994.
“Total coffee junkie. Tv ninja. Unapologetic problem solver. Beer expert.”