The Dallas Cowboys announced that Hall of Fame offensive lineman Larry Allen passed away on Sunday while vacationing with family in Mexico. Allen was only 52.
“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,” the Cowboys wrote on X.
The team added, “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.”
Allen, a second-round pick from Sonoma State in 1994, swiftly emerged as one of the NFL’s most formidable offensive linemen. His outstanding performance earned him 11 Pro Bowl selections and a place in the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2013.
Playing for the Cowboys from 1994 to 2005, Allen secured a Super Bowl victory in 1995 before concluding his career with two seasons at the San Francisco 49ers.
Larry Allen’s Legend Grew in the Cowboy’s Weight Room
His legendary feats of strength in the Cowboys’ weight room included an astonishing 700-pound bench press. Despite his 6-3, 335-pound frame, he was remarkably agile, making him a formidable blocker on sweeps and pulls. He was even capable of chasing down a defender after an interception.
According to ESPN, Allen triumphed over a difficult upbringing in Compton, California. At one point, he was stabbed 12 times while defending his brother. He attended four different high schools before enrolling at Butte College.
Later, he shined at Sonoma State, where the Cowboys discovered his raw talent and selected him with the 46th pick.
He safeguarded Cowboys quarterbacks such as Troy Aikman and Tony Romo, even transitioning from guard to tackle during games. Versatile on the field, he played right tackle, right guard, and left tackle, but his standout position remained left guard.
He earned first-team All-Pro honors six times and landed on the All-Decade team for the 2000s.
The details of Allen’s memorial service will be announced at a later date.