The Dallas Cowboy organization announced in a statement that legendary Cowboys’ offensive lineman Larry Allen died suddenly while vacationing with his family in Mexico at the age of 52.
The Cowboys’ news release read: “The Dallas Cowboys are very saddened to share that Cowboys legend, Super Bowl Champion, Cowboys Ring of Honor member, and Pro Football Hall of Famer Larry Allen passed away suddenly while on vacation in Mexico with his family on Sunday. 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.””
The Cowboys selected Allen with the No. 46 overall pick in the 1994 NFL Draft out of Sonoma State. He spent his first 12 seasons with the NFC East franchise, where in just his second season the 6-foot-3, 325-pound offensive lineman helped clear paths for running back Emmitt Smith, when he ran for a then-franchise record 1,773 yards. In 2006 and 2007, Allen played with the San Francisco 49ers. The 11-time Pro Bowl selection and six-time All-Pro played tackle and guard throughout his career, winning a Super Bowl with the Cowboys in 1996. Allen was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2013.
Pro Football Hall of Fame president Jim Porter said in a statement: “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. What he could do as an offensive lineman often defied logic and comprehension. In a six-season span, he was named All-Pro every year, and one of those seasons came when the Cowboys needed him to step in at tackle. He could literally beat the will out of his opponents, with many quitting mid-game or not dressing at all rather than face him, but that was only on the field. Off it, he was a quiet, gentle giant. Our thoughts and prayers are with his wife Janelle; daughters, Jayla and Loriana; and son, Larry III.”
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