By Contributing writer
Pro Football Hall of Famer Larry Allen has died, the Dallas Cowboys announced on Monday.
Allen, 52, died suddenly while in Mexico on vacation, according to the team.
“Larry, known for his great athleticism and incredible strength, was one of the most respected, accomplished offensive linemen to ever play in the NFL,” the team said in a statement. “His versatility and dependability were also signature parts of his career. Through that, he continued to serve as inspiration for many other players defining what it meant to be a great teammate, competitor and winner.
“He was deeply loved and cared for by his wife, Janelle — whom he referred to as his heart and soul, his daughters Jayla and Loriana and son, Larry III.
“The Jones family and the Cowboys extend their deepest condolences, thoughts and prayers to the Allen family and grieve along with the many other friends and Cowboys teammates that also loved Larry.
“Memorial service arrangements and details will be announced in the near future.”
Allen, who played 12 of his 14 NFL seasons with the Cowboys, was one of the best offensive linemen in league history. He was named a first-team NFL All-Pro seven times and was an 11-time Pro Bowler at guard and tackle. He helped the Cowboys win Super Bowl XXX in 1996.
His dominance at both positions earned Allen, a second-round draft pick out Sonoma State in 1994, a spot on the NFL All-Decade team in the 1990s and 2000s.
After spending his final two NFL seasons with the San Francisco 49ers, Allen signed a one-day contract to retire with the Cowboys in 2009. Four years later Allen headed to Canton, Ohio as a first-ballot inductee into the Hall of Fame.
Allen’s former Cowboys teammates reacted to the sudden news on social media.
“Just received the heartbreaking news of the passing of our beloved teammate Larry Allen,” said longtime Cowboys quarterback Troy Aikman on X Monday. “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.”
Emmitt Smith said in a video posted to Instagram that he was “at a loss of words right now” and that Allen was “such a good dude, great player, super person.”
“The one thing about Larry Allen, I know,” Smith added. “He had a big heart and he lived life to the fullest. A man of very few words but on the football field was a beast. And [he] will be sorely missed.”