Remembering the Legacy of Larry Allen, NFL Icon and Super Bowl Winner, Who Passed Away at 52

Pro Football Hall of Famer and Super Bowl champion Larry Allen passed away on Sunday at the age of 52, as confirmed by the Dallas Cowboys.

According to the Cowboys, Allen, who was a seven-time All-Pro, passed away suddenly while on vacation in Mexico with his family. He spent 12 out of his 14 NFL seasons playing for the Cowboys.

The President of the Pro Football Hall of Fame, Jim Porter, praised Larry Allen for his exceptional combination of size, strength, speed, and agility in the National Football League. Allen's abilities as an offensive lineman often seemed unbelievable to observers.

Allen was chosen by the Cowboys as the 46th overall pick in the 1994 NFL draft. After his time with the Cowboys, he spent two seasons playing for the San Francisco 49ers from 2006 to 2007. In 2019, Allen was honored by being selected as one of the NFL's 100 greatest players, commemorating the league's first 100 years.

"My aim was clear: to gain the respect of my teammates, opponents, and the NFL. As I stood at my Hall of Fame Induction in 2013, I proudly declared that my mission was accomplished. I always gave my all on the field, pushing myself and my opponents to the limit. But today, I humbly submit to you all."

Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones, right, helps Larry Allen unveil his Pro Football Hall of Fame bust in August 2013, in Canton, Ohio.

Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones, right, helps Larry Allen unveil his Pro Football Hall of Fame bustin August2013, in Canton, Ohio.

Tony Dejak/AP

The Cowboys believed that Allen was the strongest player in the NFL, being able to bench press 700 pounds and squat 900 pounds.

His journey to NFL success was extraordinary, starting at small schools like Butte Junior College in Oroville, California, and later transferring to Sonoma State, a Division II school near San Francisco.

Allen was the starting right guard for Dallas in 203 career games, including the Super Bowl XXX victory against the Pittsburgh Steelers. His name now proudly hangs in the Cowboys' Ring of Honor.

His competitive spirit shines through on his Hall of Fame profile page, where he boldly declares, "My goal is to make my opponent give up."

He explains, "You can see it happening when he starts to slow down his attacks and doesn't put up as much resistance during run-blocking. I enjoy it when the opposing team has to keep swapping out players in a desperate attempt to find someone who can stop me."

The NFL expressed their sympathy on Monday for the loss of Larry Allen, a Hall of Famer, Super Bowl Champion, and Cowboys legend. "The NFL family is deeply saddened by his passing. Our thoughts are with his family and loved ones."

Allen is survived by his wife, Janelle, and his daughters Jayla and Loriana and son, Larry III, the Cowboys said.

Editor's P/S:

The passing of Larry Allen, a legendary Pro Football Hall of Famer, has left an irreplaceable void in the NFL. His exceptional physical prowess, particularly his astounding strength, made him a force to be reckoned with on the field. His unwavering determination and competitive spirit pushed him to excel, earning him seven All-Pro selections and a Super Bowl victory. Allen's legacy extends beyond his impressive statistics; he was a true icon, respected by both teammates and opponents. His enshrinement in the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2013 stands as a testament to his unmatched contributions to the sport.

Allen's journey to the pinnacle of football is a testament to his hard work and dedication. Starting at humble beginnings in junior college, he honed his skills and eventually made a name for himself in the NFL with the Dallas Cowboys. His remarkable career spanned 14 seasons, including 12 years with the Cowboys, where he became a cornerstone of their offensive line. His ability to dominate opponents and pave the way for the team's success will forever be etched in the memory of football fans. The NFL has lost a true giant, and Allen's legacy will continue to inspire generations of players and enthusiasts alike.