Larry Allen was an offensive lineman for the Dallas Cowboys, an 11-time Pro Bowl selection, and a Pro Football Hall of Fame inductee.
- Died: June 2, 2024 (Who else died on June 2?)
- Details of death: Died while on vacation in Mexico at the age of 52.
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Larry Allen’s legacy
Born in Compton, California, Larry Allen’s childhood was filled with ups and downs, including going to a different high school in each of his four years. He went on to Butte College and Sonoma State University, where he was a strong player and became an eventual second-round draft pick for the Dallas Cowboys.
With the Cowboys, Allen established himself as one of the most fearsome offensive linemen ever to play the game. He was an all-rookie in his first season and contributed to a team record of allowing just 20 sacks on the season. His star only went up from there. In his sophomore year, he was selected to the Pro Bowl, the first of seven consecutive trips and 11 overall in 14 seasons. His tremendous strength was matched by surprising speed, making him a formidable opponent.
Allen won a Super Bowl with the Cowboys in the 1995/96 season and was named to both the 1990s and 2000s All-Decade teams, plus the NFL’s 100th Anniversary Team. In 2011, he was inducted into the Cowboys Ring of Honor, and in 2013, he entered the Pro Football Hall of Fame. He is widely considered one of the best ever to play his position.
Notable quote
“I also played hard, whistle to whistle, to make my opponents submit.” —NFL Hall of Fame induction speech, 2013
Tributes to Larry Allen
Full obituary: CNN
