Some things defy logic and imagination. For years, whenever we've neared time to name the next Pro Football Hall of Fame class, we think of Philadelphia Eagles legend Eric Allen.
We're almost ashamed to admit that, in our younger years, we just assumed he had been enshrined already. Then, we found out he wasn't. More than two decades after playing his final game (January 19, 2002), he still hadn't heard a knock at his door.
A disrespectful Eric Allen Hall of Fame snub finally ends.
Eric Allen played 14 years in the NFL, three with the New Orleans Saints and four with the Oakland Raiders, but he's most remembered for his seven-year stint in Philly with our Eagles.
With the Birds, he appeared in 111 regular-season games, making 110 starts. He notched another five games during the postseason.
Four of those five postseason games he started. He snagged three interceptions including a pick-six (vs. New Orleans). During his time in Philly, those seven regular seasons led to 408 tackles, two sacks, four forced fumbles, 34 interceptions, and five house calls off of those picks.
He was named to the 1988 PFWA NFL All-Rookie Team. He was given three Second-Team All-Pro nods (1989, 1991, 1993) and six Pro Bowl nominations (1989, 1991–1995). He's a member of the Philadelphia Eagles 75th Anniversary Team and the Philadelphia Eagles Hall of Fame, but alas, Canton, Ohio and HOF voters turned a blind eye when discussions arose about his enshrinement.
If you're looking for context, try this. Allen's 54 career picks exceed Champ Bailey's career total (52). Champ played 15 years compared to Eric's 13. He has 25 more career picks than Darrelle Revis. Bailey and Revis are both Hall of Famers and should be.
We aren't saying Allen is more deserving than either guy. We aren't saying he isn't either. Here's what we are saying. Failing to place Eric's bust in Canton, Ohio was an unforgivable sin.
A right has been wrong. Past sins have been corrected. E.A. takes his place among football's immortals. It's about damn time but well worth the wait.
