The Dallas Cowboys announced Monday the death of Pro Football Hall of Fame player Larry Allen.
Allen, 52, died suddenly while in Mexico on vacation, according to the team.
“Known for his incredible athleticism and incredible strength, Larry was one of the most respected and accomplished offensive players to ever play in the NFL,” the team said in a statement. “His versatility and reliability were also a special part of his career. In doing so, he continues to serve as an inspiration to many other players who have defined what it means 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 Laurieanna and his son Larry III.
“The Jones family and the Cowboys extend their deepest condolences, thoughts and prayers to the Allen family and grieve with the many other friends and Cowboys teammates who also loved Larry.
“Arrangements and details of the memorial ceremony will be announced in the near future.”
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 guard and tackle. He helped the Cowboys win Super Bowl XXX in 1996.
Larry Allen was one of the most amazing athletes the NFL has ever seen
He may be the most dominant run blocker ever, but he also has insane speed
Here he was making a chase out of nowhere pic.twitter.com/vTSPLXrlrm
– Field Yates (@FieldYates) June 3, 2024
His dominance at both positions earned Allen, a second-round pick from Sonoma State in 1994, and a spot on the NFL All-Decade Team of the 1990s and 2000s.
After spending his final two NFL seasons with the San Francisco 49ers, Allen signed a one-day retirement contract with the Cowboys in 2009. Four years later, Allen headed to Canton, Ohio as a first-ballot Hall of Fame inductee.
Allen’s former Cowboys teammates responded to the surprising news on social media.
“I just received the devastating news of the passing of our beloved teammate Larry Allen,” Cowboys quarterback Troy Aikman said. Day X Monday. “He was a HOF offensive lineman who dominated opponents no matter what position he played. Off the field, he was a gentle giant who loved his family. Rest in peace in Los Angeles.”
Emmitt Smith said in a The video was posted on Instagram that he was “at a loss for words right now” and that Allen was “a good guy, a great player and a great person.”
“The only thing I know about Larry Allen,” Smith added. “He had a big heart and lived life to the fullest. He was a man of few words but on the football field he was a beast. And [he] “We will be sorely missed.”
“Coffee ninja. Web fan. Hipster-friendly beer enthusiast. Professional creator.”