Per multiple reports, Allen passed away Sunday while on vacation with his family in Mexico.
The NFL learned of some sad news from this past weekend. First-ballot Pro Football Hall of Famer Larry Allen passed away suddenly on vacation Sunday with his family, several reporters have confirmed.
The former Dallas Cowboys and San Francisco 49ers offensive lineman was a pioneer at his position. By now, you’ve seen the epic clip of Allen chasing down a linebacker to prevent a touchdown.
December 19, 1994: From the other side of the field, 6’3 325 lb Cowboys OT Larry Allen catches a Saints LB to prevent a pick-6.
“This guy’s got a rocket booster strapped to his back.” pic.twitter.com/T7alg5YEJz
— This Day In Sports Clips (@TDISportsClips) December 19, 2020
Many use that play as a reference for Allen’s being one of, if not the most athletic, offensive linemen of all time. That play highlights the drive that led Allen from going to Sonoma State to perform well enough at the East-West shrine game that Jerry Jones was convinced to select Allen 46th overall in the 1994 NFL Draft.
Here’s a Hall of Fame defensive tackle describing what it was like to play against Allen:
John Randle talks about what it was like playing against Larry Allen, and how he was one of the few players he never taunted.
(NFL Top 100) pic.twitter.com/ggvaeUP90s
— Colton Denning (@Dubsco) June 3, 2024
Allen is simultaneously one of the greatest offensive linemen and underdog stories of all time. Like most surprise success stories, Allen found his way onto the field due to an injury. And once he got his opportunity, Allen never looked back.
11 Pro Bowls and six first-team All-Pros later, Allen’s only blemish on his career was that some guy named Reggie White got the best of him this one time. That sentence sums up Allen’s greatness.
The Napa native spent his final two seasons in the NFL with the 49ers. Delanie Walker named Allen as one of the veterans in the locker room that impacted Walker when he first came into the league. A few of his other teammates and reporters reacted to the news of his sudden passing:
Story time: When I did sideline reporting forth Niners, my postgame interview setup was next to Larry’s locker. No surprise that Larry didn’t talk much but he was always quick with a smile. After his last game in ’07, Larry says, “Lil’ Larry, come here”… https://t.co/m7Dh59IcFl
— Rod Brooks (@rodbrooksTV) June 3, 2024
Shocked and saddened by the passing of @larryallen73. My sincere condolences to his family and the @dallascowboys Rip ❤️
— Jesse Sapolu (@jessesapolu) June 3, 2024
Rest in peace Big Homie!! Only 52. Tell your loved ones, “I Love You” today, tomorrow is not promised. The strongest lineman ever. Rest in Peace Larry Allen. pic.twitter.com/xPYmMPETay
— ANTHONY ADAMS (@spiceadams) June 3, 2024
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