Dallas Cowboys Legend Larry Allen Passes Away at 52

The football world is mourning the sudden loss of Larry Allen, a legendary offensive lineman for the Dallas Cowboys, who passed away at the age of 52 while vacationing with his family in Mexico. Allen's death was announced by the Cowboys on Monday, leaving fans and former teammates in shock and grief.

Larry Allen's career in the NFL is the stuff of legends. Drafted in the second round of the 1994 NFL Draft out of Sonoma State, Allen quickly established himself as one of the most dominant offensive linemen in the league. His incredible strength and athleticism made him a formidable force on the field, earning him 11 Pro Bowl selections and seven first-team All-Pro honors over his 14-season career.

Allen's journey to the NFL was far from ordinary. Born and raised in Compton, California, he faced numerous challenges, including a harrowing incident where he was stabbed 12 times while protecting his brother. Despite these obstacles, Allen's talent shone through, and he made a name for himself at Butte College and later at Sonoma State, where he was named Northern California Athletic Conference offensive player of the year as a senior.

During his time with the Cowboys, Allen played a crucial role in the team's success, including their victory in Super Bowl XXX. His versatility allowed him to excel at multiple positions along the offensive line, including right tackle, right guard, left tackle, and left guard. His most notable position was left guard, where he earned first-team All-Pro honors seven times and was named to the All-Decade team for the 2000s.

Allen's strength was legendary, with a bench press record of 700 pounds that left his teammates in awe. His speed and agility for his size were equally impressive, as evidenced by his famous pursuit of New Orleans Saints linebacker Darien Conner during an interception return in 1994. Throughout his career, Allen protected Cowboys quarterbacks from Troy Aikman to Tony Romo, earning a reputation as one of the most reliable and powerful linemen in the game.

After spending 12 seasons with the Cowboys, Allen played his final two seasons with the San Francisco 49ers before retiring to a quiet life in Northern California with his wife, Janelle, and their three children. Despite his retirement, Allen remained a beloved figure in the football community, often attending Sonoma State basketball games and happily signing autographs for fans.

The cause of Allen's death has not been officially released, but his sudden passing has left a void in the hearts of many. The Cowboys expressed their deepest condolences to Allen's family, with team owner Jerry Jones stating, "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."

Allen's legacy extends beyond his on-field achievements. He was a quiet, gentle giant off the field, deeply loved and cared for by his family. His son, Larry Allen Jr., followed in his father's footsteps, playing guard for the Harvard Crimson football team and later signing with the Cowboys as an undrafted player in 2019.

As the football community comes to terms with the loss of one of its greats, Larry Allen's impact on the game and the lives of those who knew him will never be forgotten. His remarkable career and the strength of his character serve as a lasting inspiration to all who aspire to greatness in the face of adversity.