The Dallas Cowboys announced on Monday that Hall of Fame offensive lineman Larry Allen suddenly passed away on Sunday while vacationing with his family in Mexico.
He was 52.
Larry, known for his great athleticism and incredible strength, was one of the most respected, accomplished offensive linemen to ever play in the NFL,” the team said in a statement. “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.”
The Cowboys stated that details for the memorial service will be announced soon.
Larry Allen, drafted in the second round out of Sonoma State in 1994, swiftly became one of the NFL’s most formidable offensive linemen. He was selected for the Pro Bowl 11 times and was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2013. Allen played for the Cowboys from 1994 to 2005, winning a Super Bowl in 1995, and spent his last two seasons with the San Francisco 49ers.
“Our thoughts and condolences are with the Allen family,” the 49ers said in a statement on X.
Allen overcame a challenging upbringing in Compton, California. He was once stabbed 12 times while protecting one of his brothers. He attended four different high schools before going to Butte College. He later starred at Sonoma State, where the Cowboys found the raw but talented Allen and drafted him with the 46th pick.
He protected Cowboys quarterbacks from Troy Aikman to Tony Romo and once shifted from guard to tackle in games. He played right tackle, right guard and left tackle but mostly starred at left guard and was a first-team All-Pro six times.
“Just received the heartbreaking news of the passing of our beloved teammate Larry Allen,” Aikman posted to X on Monday. “He was a HOF offensive lineman that dominated opponents regardless of the position played. Off the field, he was a gentle giant that loved his family. Rest in Peace LA.”
Former Cowboys running back Emmitt Smith said in a video posted to Instagram that the news of Allen’s death “just breaks my heart.”
“I’m at a loss of words right now. Such a good dude, great player, super person,” Smith said.
He added: “The one thing about Larry Allen, I know. He had a big heart and he lived life to the fullest. A man of very few words but on the football field was a beast. And [he] will be sorely missed.”
His feats of strength in the Cowboys’ weight room were legendary, including once bench-pressing 700 pounds. He astounded many with his speed for his frame, as when he chased down New Orleans Saints linebacker Darion Conner on an interception return in 1994.
