Cowboys legend Larry Allen passes away at 52

FRISCO, Texas – Larry Allen, considered one of the greatest players in Dallas Cowboys history and one of the best offensive linemen in NFL history, has died at the age of 52.

Allen passed away on Sunday while vacationing in Mexico with his family.

A first-ballot Hall of Famer inducted in 2013, Allen was a standout in the NFL during the 1990s and 2000s. He played 14 seasons from 1994 to 2007, spending his first 12 years with the Cowboys.

Allen is one of only three Cowboys to earn double-digit Pro Bowl selections, achieving 10 Pro Bowls and seven All-Pro honors with Dallas. He concluded his career with the San Francisco 49ers, securing an 11th Pro Bowl in 2006.

The Dallas Cowboys released a statement on Monday morning regarding Allen's death:

> "The Dallas Cowboys are very saddened to share that Cowboys legend, Super Bowl Champion, Cowboys Ring of Honor member, and Pro Football Hall of Famer Larry Allen passed away suddenly while on vacation in Mexico with his family on Sunday. Larry, known for his great athleticism and incredible strength, was one of the most respected, accomplished offensive linemen to ever play in the NFL. 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 Loriana, 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."

Details about memorial services will be announced soon.

Drafted in the second round of the 1994 NFL Draft from Sonoma State, Allen quickly made a name for himself with his remarkable combination of size, strength, and speed. A notable moment from his rookie year in 1994 was when he chased down Saints linebacker Darion Conner during a Monday Night Football game, tackling him from behind to save a touchdown. This display of speed impressed the MNF announcers Frank Gifford, Al Michaels, and Dan Dierdorf.

However, Allen's strength was his most defining trait. Known for bench-pressing over 700 pounds in the early 2000s, Allen dominated opponents with his sheer power.

Allen also demonstrated versatility early in his career, moving from guard to tackle. After earning three Pro Bowl selections from 1995-97 as a guard, he switched to tackle in 1998 and earned Pro Bowl and All-Pro honors that year as well. He eventually moved back to guard, solidifying his reputation as one of the greatest ever at the position.

In 2019, Allen was one of seven guards named to the NFL's Top 100 players list.