Hall of Fame football legend Larry Allen died suddenly at the age of 52 while on vacation in Mexico, the Dallas Cowboys announced Monday.
Allen played 12 of his 14 seasons in the NFL on the Cowboys, and is regarded as one of the greatest offensive linemen in history. He won the Super Bowl in 1996 with the team, and was named an All-Pro first team player seven times and was an 11-time Pro Bowler at both tackle and guard.
The Dallas Cowboys issued the following statement:
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.
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.
Memorial service arrangements and details will be announced in the near future.
Allen was a second-round draft pick out Sonoma State in 1994 but quickly shined in the NFL, and was named to the NFL All-Decade team in the 1990s and 2000s.
Allen retired in 2009 after signing a one-day contract so he could retire with the Dallas Cowboys
He was elected to the Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio his first year eligible in 2013.
“The National Football League is filled with gifted athletes, but only a rare few have combined the size, brute strength, speed and agility of Larry Allen,” the NFL Hall of Fame said about Allen. “What he could do as an offensive lineman often defied logic and comprehension.”