Larry Allen, an NFL legend, was a colossal figure on and off the field. Known for his fierce demeanor and unmatched talent, he spent 14 seasons in the league — 12 with the Dallas Cowboys and two with the San Francisco 49ers. A six-time All-Pro and an 11-time Pro Bowler, Allen's prowess was celebrated by many. "Larry was the best player in the league, and it wasn't even close," said fellow Hall of Famer Michael Irvin.
Tragically, Allen passed away suddenly at 52 while vacationing with his family in Mexico. Despite his impressive career, he had a rough start growing up in Compton. At just 9 years old, he was stabbed 12 times while protecting his younger brother. This traumatic experience made him fearful of needles, so much so that he refused Novocain at the dentist. His mother, Vera, was a guiding force, pushing him to face his fears and fight back.
Living in a tough neighborhood, Allen's family often heard gunfire outside their home. "We would roll out of bed, lay on the floor until the shooting stopped, then get back in bed," Vera recalled. Eventually, they moved to Northern California, where Allen attended four different high schools and didn't start playing football until his junior year at Compton Centennial.
After another move due to gang activity, Allen played his senior year at Vintage High in Napa. Despite his talent, he didn't graduate and ended up at Butte Junior College in Chico, where he dominated on the field but struggled academically. It wasn’t until Frank Scalercio, an assistant coach at Division II Sonoma State, found him and convinced him to play football again that things started to turn around.
Allen's athleticism was legendary. Rumors of his ability to dunk a basketball were confirmed in front of Sonoma State's head coach Tim Walsh, leaving everyone in stunned silence. His NFL dream came true when Cowboys owner Jerry Jones called him on draft day. "Son, would you like to be a Cowboy?" Jones asked. Allen's enthusiastic response: "Yes, sir!" led to him being a second-round pick by the reigning Super Bowl champions.
Soon after, he celebrated by jumping into a swimming pool fully clothed and bought his mom a house in Sacramento, a testament to their strong bond. "She did everything for my brother and me. My life could've ended up much differently," Allen reflected.
On the field, Allen was a force to be reckoned with. He could play both guard and tackle, ran a 4.8-second 40-yard dash, and amazed in the weight room despite not enjoying lifting. Stories of his feats, like bench-pressing 700 pounds and chasing down a linebacker 50 yards downfield, are legendary. His impact was so significant that opponents often faked injuries to avoid playing against him, a phenomenon known as "Allen-itis."
Allen's career highlights include helping the Cowboys win Super Bowl XXX and his Hall of Fame induction speech in Canton, Ohio, where he emphasized earning respect from teammates, opponents, and the NFL. "My goal was simple, to earn a seven-letter word called respect. Today, my mission is complete," he said.
Larry Allen's legacy is marked by his strength, versatility, and resilience. He left behind his wife, Janelle, daughters Jayla and Loriana, and son Larry III. The Cowboys and many others in the NFL community expressed their deepest condolences. "Larry was one of the most respected, accomplished offensive linemen to ever play in the NFL," the Cowboys stated, highlighting his enduring impact on the game and his inspirational journey from Compton to Canton.
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