Larry Allen was a couple years late for the full dynasty experience, but he’s as synonymous with the greatest era of Cowboys football as they come. When exactly the golden age of the NFL occurred is debated by which generation the fans debating grew up in, but the 1990s and the onset of big television contracts and free agency certainly hold their weight. Allen was drafted in 1994 and started 10 games for Dallas as a rookie as they tried to defend their back-to-back championship wins over the Buffalo Bills.
Once he was inserted into the starting lineup permanently in Week 8, he never looked back, blazing a trail that directly led to his Hall of Fame induction in 2013. Too many times there are sports heroes who do not get to receive their flowers while still able to smell them, but that wasn’t the case for Allen despite his untimely passing this weekend at the age of 52. Allen was widely considered as one of, if not the greatest offensive guards in Cowboys and NFL history.
The loss of the legend sent shocks throughout the Dallas and NFL community, but along with the disappointment that the gentle giant is no longer with us on this earth, came several fond memories of just how amazing his football feats were.
(Video: Emmitt Smith’s Instagram) pic.twitter.com/dElhrGnrkC
— Jon Machota (@jonmachota) June 3, 2024
— Mike Piellucci (@mikelikessports) June 3, 2024
pic.twitter.com/Qr6pV41I2c
— Jon Machota (@jonmachota) June 3, 2024
— Brad Sham (@Boys_Vox) June 3, 2024
Allen was 52 years old.
(AP Photo/LM Otero) pic.twitter.com/lJoRrdKTGn
— Mike Leslie (@MikeLeslieWFAA) June 3, 2024
Prayers for Larry Allen & for his loved ones.
— David Helman (@davidhelman_) June 3, 2024
— Calvin Watkins (@calvinwatkins) June 3, 2024
Our thoughts are with his family and loved ones. 💙 pic.twitter.com/PnOl5O829J
— NFL (@NFL) June 3, 2024
— Bob Sturm (@SportsSturm) June 3, 2024
The 7-time First-Team All Pro player was 52 years old. RIP to one of the legends of the game.
— Jonathan Jones (@jjones9) June 3, 2024
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