Larry Allen, giant of the Dallas Cowboys and member of the NFL Hall of Fame, dies at the age of 52

Dallas Cowboys legend Larry Allen died “suddenly” on Sunday at the age of 52, the team announced in a statement on Monday morning.

Allen, a Super Bowl champion and 2013 Pro Football Hall of Fame inductee, was vacationing in Mexico with his family at the time of his death.

In their statement, the Cowboys wrote that Allen, “known for his great athleticism and incredible strength, was one of the most respected and accomplished offensive linemen to ever play in the NFL.”

“His versatility and reliability were also defining characteristics of his career,” it continued. “As a result, he continued to serve as an inspiration to many other players and defined what it means to be a great teammate, competitor and winner.”

Allen grew up in Compton, California and was selected by the Cowboys out of Sonoma State in the second round of the 1994 draft.

During his 12 seasons at Texas, Allen proved to be a dynamic force on the offensive line, playing every offensive lineman position except center.

In 1995, he helped the Cowboys win the Super Bowl against the Pittsburgh Steelers – the last time Dallas won the league.

The 325-pound, 6-foot-3 football player is also known for his amazing strength. His Cowboys teammates once claimed they saw him bench-press 600 pounds in the weight room.

The offensive fighter was an eleven-time Pro Bowl selection and was one of three football players in history to be named to the All-Decade Team in both the 1990s and 2000s.

Allen was released by the Cowboys in 2006 and then signed with the San Francisco 49ers, where he played his final two seasons.

In August 2009, Dallas signed Allen to a one-day contract to end his career as a Cowboy. He was placed on the team’s retired list the next day.

He leaves behind his wife Janelle Allen, daughters Jayla and Loriana, and son Larry III.

Related…