Troy Aikman, Emmitt Smith share emotional reactions after Cowboys teammate Larry Allen’s death
Former Dallas Cowboys players are coming to grips with the death of a former teammate and team legend Larry Allen on Monday. Allen passed away unexpectedly on Sunday while in Mexico on vacation with his family and his loss has already greatly impacted those who loved him. The former second-rounder was just 52 years old.
Former quarterback Troy Aikman, whom Allen blocked for for most of his career, took to social media to share his reaction to the news.
“Just received the heartbreaking news of the passing of our beloved teammate Larry Allen,” Aikman tweeted. “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.”
Former running back Emmitt Smith, another great beneficiary of Allen’s hard work in Dallas, also posted on social media about the loss of his former teammate and friend. Smith’s grief is clearly visible in the video he shared shortly after learning about the Hall-of-Famer’s death.
“I’m reflecting on one of the best offensive linemen I ever played with,” Smith said. “I’m at a loss for words right now. Such a good dude, great player, super person… It just breaks my heart. I know life is very fragile and we’re only here for a moment. We need to make the best out of every moment and not take people for granted.”
“All I can say is, live life to the fullest that you can… The one thing about Larry Allen I know, he had a big heart and he lived life to the fullest. A man of very few words but on the football field, he was a beast… My thoughts and prayers go out to his family. My heart is just broken.”
Cowboys announce news of Larry Allen’s passing
The Dallas Cowboys announced the passing of Super Bowl Champion and Ring of Honor member Larry Allen on Monday morning. Allen played twelve seasons with the Cowboys, earning 10 Pro Bowl selections and seven first-team All-Pro honors. His ten Pro Bowl selections are the most all-time for a Cowboys offensive player. He helped the team win Super Bowl XXX over the Pittsburgh Steelers in 1996.
Though he was a Cowboys legend, he also played two seasons for the San Francisco 49ers. He earned another Pro Bowl selection while in San Francisco. He earned his Hall of Fame induction and entered Canton as part of the class of 2013.
Allen, a Compton, California native, played his college football first for the Butte Roadrunners, then the Sonoma State Cossacks. Though he didn’t play Division-I football, he gained the attention of scouts at the East-West Shrine Game and Senior Bowl. The Dallas Cowboys opted to take him with the 46th overall pick in the second round of the 1994 NFL Draft. He was the highest-selected offensive lineman the Cowboys had ever taken at the time, though they went on to draft several more in the first round after finding success.
Allen earned All-Rookie honors in his first season after an injury knocked out one of Dallas’s starting linemen. He made his first NFL start at right guard the next season. He later moved between guard and tackle and eventually became Troy Aikman’s blindside protector at left tackle.
Known for his freakish strength, Allen set the Cowboys record in the bench press. He put up 700 pounds, a mark that no Dallas player has hit since. First-round draft pick Tyler Smith now wears Allen’s No. 73 jersey.