The Dallas Cowboys announced Monday that Pro Football Hall of Famer Larry Allen has died.
Allen, 52, died suddenly while on vacation in Mexico, the group said.
“Larry, known for his outstanding athleticism and incredible strength, is one of the most respected, talented offensive linemen to ever play in the NFL,” the team said in a statement. “His versatility and reliability were the signature pieces of his career. In doing so, he continues to serve as an inspiration to many players, defining what it means to be a great teammate, competitor and winner.
“He was dearly loved and cared for by his wife Janelle – his heart and soul, his daughters Jayla and Loriana and son, Larry III.
“The Jones family and the Cowboys extend our deepest condolences, thoughts and prayers to the Allen family, and mourn together with the many friends and Cowboys teammates who loved Larry.
“Memorial service arrangements and details will be announced at a later date.”
Allen, who played 12 of his 14 NFL seasons with the Cowboys, was one of the best offensive linemen in league history. He was named first-team NFL All-Pro seven times and was an 11-time Pro Bowler at both guard and tackle. He helped the Cowboys win Super Bowl XXX in 1996.
Larry Allen is one of the most incredible athletes the NFL has ever seen
Always dominant at run blocker, but also legitimately insane speed
Here he was doing a chase fight out of nowhere pic.twitter.com/vTSPLXrlrm
— Field Yates (@FieldYates) June 3, 2024
His dominance at both positions led Allen, a second-round pick out of Sonoma State in 1994, to NFL All-Decade teams in both the 1990s and 2000s.
After spending his final two NFL seasons with the San Francisco 49ers, Allen signed a one-day contract to retire with the Cowboys in 2009. Four years later Allen moved to Canton, Ohio to become a first ballot candidate in the Hall of Fame.
