Larry Allen, the first-ballot Hall of Fame offensive lineman known best for his exceptional strength and dominance on the field, died on Sunday while vacationing with his family in Mexico. The Dallas Cowboys took to social media to announce the news.
With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Cowboys Legend Larry Allen 💙 pic.twitter.com/l351PCkqdG
— Dallas Cowboys (@dallascowboys) June 3, 2024
“With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Cowboys Legend Larry Allen 💙,” the post reads before their official statement goes into greater detail regarding the impact he has made not only on the Jones family but also on all of Cowboys Nation and NFL fans across the world.
In addition to the statement released on social media, the Cowboys organization also released additional thoughts regarding Allen and the tragic situation.
“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 Lariana and son, Larry III.”
Allen’s résumé is as good as anyone who has played the game. His stellar 14-year career included 12 seasons in Dallas, with the final two coming with the Cowboys’ biggest rival, the San Francisco 49ers.
Allen ended his playing days after completing a first-ballot Hall of Fame career, where he would receive his gold jacket in 2013. His résumé speaks for itself, as he was truly the gold standard for interior offensive lineman.
Allen was selected to the Pro Bowl 11 times and made six All-Pro teams, all of which came back-to-back from 1996 through 2001. He won one Super Bowl title in 1995 with the Cowboys and is a member of the 1990s and 2000s Hall of Fame All-Decade teams.
Allen appeared in 203 games during his tenure (started 197), punishing defensive linemen with freakish strength and unbelievable athleticism for a man of his size and stature.
Not much is known at this time regarding the cause of death, but the Cowboys’ family and those around the NFL are taking the time to extend their deepest condolences to the Allen family as the football world has now lost a true legend of the game.
