One of many nice offensive linemen in NFL historical past has handed away.
The Dallas Cowboys introduced on Monday that former guard Larry Allen died out of the blue whereas vacationing together with his household in Mexico. He was simply 52 years outdated.
A second-round pick of Division II Sonoma State, Allen turned the primary participant ever drafted out of that faculty when the Cowboys chosen him in 1994. Over the subsequent decade, the remarkably athletic huge man was one the centerpiece of an offensive line that paved the best way for Emmitt Smith to turn out to be the NFL’s all-time main rusher.
One in all Allen’s most iconic performs occurred late in his rookie season on Monday Night time Soccer, when he chased down New Orleans Saints linebacker Darion Conner to disclaim him a pick-6.
That’s 6’3” and 325 kilos motoring down the sphere to avoid wasting a landing. New Orleans would solely get a area purpose out of the following possession in an eight-point loss.
Allen was an 11-time Professional Bowl participant and a seven-time first-team All-Professional choice. He received a Tremendous Bowl with the Cowboys in 1995, and was named to the NFL’s All-Decade workforce for the Nineteen Nineties and 2000s. His offensive line teammates for the 2000s included Seattle Seahawks greats Steve Hutchinson and Walter Jones.
Whereas Allen’s greatest years have been at left guard, he additionally performed proper guard, proper deal with, and left deal with. His ultimate two seasons have been with the San Francisco 49ers, earlier than retiring in 2009. And also you higher consider there was nobody stronger than Larry Allen.
Shortly after his retirement, Allen was inducted into the Cowboys Ring of Honor in 2011 throughout Dallas’ 23-13 win over the Seattle Seahawks. He made his means into the Professional Soccer Corridor of Fame in his first yr of eligibility in 2013.
Larry Allen was a one-of-a-kind athlete who left an indelible impression on the game, and he can be dearly missed by all.
Might he relaxation in peace.
