On Monday, the Dallas Cowboys confirmed the death of Pro Football Hall of Famer Larry Allen.
The team said Allen, 52, died abruptly in Mexico while on vacation. Allen was one of the best NFL offensive guards, playing 12 of his 14 seasons with the Cowboys. He was an 11-time Pro Bowl guard and tackler and seven-time first-team NFL All-Pro. He helped Dallas win Super Bowl XXX in 1996.
Allen, a 1994 second-round pick from Sonoma State, made the NFL All-Decade team in the 1990s and 2000s for his domination at both positions.
Allen retired with the Cowboys on a one-day deal in 2009 after two seasons with the 49ers. Allen was inducted into the Hall of Fame first-ballot four years later at Canton, Ohio.
Former Cowboys teammates reacted to Allen's startling announcement on social media.
"Just received the heartbreaking news of the passing of our beloved teammate Larry Allen," Troy Aikman posted on X Monday. "A HOF offensive lineman, he dominated opponents at all positions. He was a kind giant who loved his family off the field. LA, Rest Easy."
A video on Instagram showed Emmitt Smith "at a loss of words right now" and calling Allen "such a good dude, great player, super person."
"I know one thing about Larry Allen," Smith said. His heart was enormous and he lived fully. A quiet man yet a beast on the football field. His absence will be felt.
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