The Dallas Cowboys lost one of their greatest-ever players when Larry Allen passed away suddenly on Monday while vacationing with his family in Mexico, according to a statement from the team. The cause of Allen's death is yet not known. The sheer suddenness of Allen's passing hit Cowboys fans and the NFL community with shock and devastation.
Though Allen retired after the 2007 season, his name comes up frequently around the Cowboys. Just last week, All-Pro left guard Tyler Smith spoke on Allen's legacy after he was assigned the iconic No. 73 in a nod to the late legend.
"It's huge for sure. Just knowing Larry and everything he did and how great he was, you know, it's just my mission to be the best me I can be," Smith said. "I've see the tape. Obviously extremely athletic. Famous for the chase down block against the Saints. One of the best pulling guards to ever play in the NFL. There's not many people that's doing people like that anymore."
You can imagine Smith's devastation when he learned of Allen's passing. His legacy and aura was simply that profound. Allen's death also reached Micah Parsons, who was utterly heartbroken by the news.
Wow 😪 def someone I hoped to meet one day ! RIP LEGEND!! 🙏🏾 https://t.co/FR628hnnOv
— Micah Parsons (@MicahhParsons11) June 3, 2024
Micah Parsons shares gutted reaction to passing of Cowboys legend Larry Allen
Parsons' reaction echoes the entirety of Cowboys Nation. It's unfortunate that Parsons and Allen never crossed paths. Though Parsons is only entering his fourth season, he's on a similar path to that of the 11-time Pro Bowler in terms of being on pace to be a first-ballot Hall of Famer.
A Super Bowl champion and member of the 2013 Pro Football Hall of Fame class, Allen played every position along the offensive line for Dallas with the exception of center. Allen is one of the most decorated lineman in NFL history, but he's also one of the best athletes to every play the game.
Those who were fortunate enough to watch Allen in his prime may recall him benching 700 pounds in the Cowboys' weight room.
In another display of his herculean strength, Allen churned out 43 reps of 235 pounds on the bench press during the Strongest Man Competition at the 2006 Pro Bowl. Allen retired two years later, so he was at the tail end of his career when he accomplished that. Just another testament to his world-class athleticism.
Cowboys fans might also recall Allen's chase down tackle against the Saints that Tyler Smith alluded to above. 335-pound lineman are not supposed to move like this, folks. The NFL may never see a specimen like Allen again.
Allen passed away at the young age of 52. He is survived by his wife, Janelle, daughters Loriana and Jayla, as well as his son, Larry III.
