Former All-Pro NFL Lineman Larry Allen Dies at 52

Former All-Pro NFL Lineman Larry Allen Dies at 52
Dallas Cowboys Hall of Fame Inductee Larry Allen shows off his Hall of Fame ring at halftime of an NFL football game, Oct. 13, 2013, in Arlington, Texas. Allen, one of the most dominant offensive linemen in the NFL during a 12-year career spent mostly with the Dallas Cowboys, died suddenly on Sunday, June 2, 2024, while on vacation with his family in Mexico, the Cowboys said. He was 52. (AP Photo/Tim Sharp, File)

DALLAS, TX – Larry Allen, a former All-Pro offensive lineman, passed away on Sunday while vacationing with his family in Mexico, the Dallas Cowboys announced in a statement on Monday. He was 52 years old.

Drafted in the second round of the 1994 NFL Draft, Allen quickly became known for his exceptional athleticism and strength. The Cowboys organization described him as "one of the most respected, accomplished offensive linemen to ever play in the NFL."

Allen's illustrious career earned him a spot in the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2013. He was also named to the NFL All-Decade Teams for both the 1990s and 2000s. According to the Dallas Cowboys website, Allen is one of only three players in team history to receive double-digit Pro Bowl selections, amassing ten Pro Bowl appearances and seven All-Pro selections with the Cowboys.

After finishing his career with the San Francisco 49ers, Allen earned his 11th Pro Bowl selection in 2006. The Cowboys lauded his versatility and dependability, noting that these qualities made him an inspiration to many players and defined him as a great teammate, competitor, and winner.

Allen is survived by his wife, Janelle, whom he lovingly referred to as “his heart and soul,” along with their two daughters and a son.

"The Jones family and the Cowboys extend their deepest condolences, thoughts, and prayers to the Allen family," the Cowboys said. "We grieve along with the many friends and teammates who also loved Larry."