DALLAS — Larry Allen, the former Dallas Cowboys offensive lineman renowned for his achievements in football, including a Super Bowl win and a decade-long dominance in his position, passed away at 52, as announced by the team on Monday.
According to the statement released by the Cowboys, Allen’s death occurred suddenly during his vacation in Mexico on Sunday. Further details regarding the circumstances of his death were not immediately disclosed.
Inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, Allen played a pivotal role in the Cowboys’ offensive line from 1994 to 2005 before concluding his career with the San Francisco 49ers from 2006 to 2007. The Cowboys drafted him in the second round of the 1994 NFL Draft from Sonoma State in California.
During his tenure with the Cowboys, Allen contributed significantly to their Super Bowl victory in 1995, and subsequently earned first-team All-Pro honors for six consecutive years from 1996 to 2001. His impressive career also saw him selected for 11 Pro Bowl appearances and inclusion in both the Hall of Fame’s All-1990s and All-2000s teams.
The Cowboys described Allen as a player known for his athleticism, strength, versatility, and dependability, highlighting his impact as an inspiration for many other players. He was also praised for his qualities as a teammate, competitor, and winner.
Allen is survived by his wife, Janelle, and their three children, two daughters named Jayla and Loriana, and a son named Larry III.
In their statement, the Cowboys expressed their deepest condolences and sympathy to the Allen family, as well as to his numerous friends and former teammates mourning his loss.
Former Cowboys quarterback Troy Aikman, who played alongside Allen, expressed his sorrow on social media, describing Allen as a Hall of Fame lineman who excelled on the field and was a loving family man off the field.