The sports world was saddened to hear Larry Allen, Hall of Fame offensive lineman, passed away at age 52.

The Dallas Cowboys would draft Larry Allen in the second round of the 1994 NFL Draft out of Butte College and Sonoma State. Two years later, Allen was a Super Bowl Champion with the Cowboys winning their franchise’s fifth Super Bowl in January 1996 against the Pittsburgh Steelers, 27-17.

Allen spent most of his career in Dallas, with a couple of years in San Fransisco from 2006-2007, before officially retiring in August 2009 with a 1-day contract with the Dallas Cowboys.

Allen leaves behind a decorated trophy room. In addition to a Super Bowl ring, he was an 11-time Pro Bowler and had 6 consecutive ballots as a first-team All-Pro from 1996-2001. He became the third offensive lineman to earn Pro Bowl honors at two different positions, with his 1998 nomination coming at offensive tackle. He played four of the five offensive line positions, outside of center, in his Dallas tenure. His versatility is one of the main reasons he is also acknowledged in the 1990s and 2000s all-decade teams, as well as the NFL 100th anniversary all-time team.

To say Larry Allen was one of the greats is an understatement. He helped change the game we know today. Along with being able to play any position on the offensive line to help teams get their best starting five on the floor, he was a member of a historic offensive line. In 2002, the Dallas Cowboys had the first all-black starting offensive line in NFL history with Allen, Kelvin Garmon, Solomon Page, Andre Gurode, and Flozell Adams.

The Cowboys don’t retire jersey numbers. Currently, Allen’s old jersey number is worn by another Cowboys star on the offensive line, Tyler Smith. Instead of retiring jerseys, the highest honor in the Cowboys organization is their “Ring of Honor.” Of course, Allen took his rightful place in the Dallas Cowboys Ring of Honor back in 2011. Two years later, he would be inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2013.

Larry Allen might be remembered as one of the strongest players, let alone offensive linemen, in NFL history. Here is a video of Larry Allen bench-pressing 700 pounds back in 2001.

Everyone has an allotted amount of time on this earth. What’s your legacy when you leave? When it comes to Larry Allen, he will be remembered as one of the greatest to ever play football, and according to former teammate Troy Aikman, “a gentle giant who loved his family.”

Just received the heartbreaking news of the passing of our beloved teammate Larry Allen. He was a HOF offensive lineman that dominated opponents regardless of the position played. Off the field, he was a gentle giant that loved his family. Rest in Peace LA💔🙏🏼

— Troy Aikman (@TroyAikman) June 3, 2024

We send our condolences to Larry Allen’s family, friends, and loved ones. Thank you for sharing Larry with us!