The football world was struck with profound sadness on Monday as the Dallas Cowboys announced the sudden death of Hall of Famer Larry Allen.
Watch Dallas Cowboys’ Larry Allen bench press 700 pounds – VIDEO
The 52-year-old former offensive lineman, renowned for his exceptional career, passed away unexpectedly on Sunday while vacationing in Mexico with his family.
Allen, who played for the Cowboys from 1994 to 2005, earned eleven Pro Bowl selections and was integral to the team’s Super Bowl XXX victory in 1996.
Former Dallas Cowboys star Emmitt Smith expressed his heartbreak over the loss of his teammate and friend.
Smith shared his love for Allen on Instagram video
In an emotional video shared on social media, Smith, the NFL’s all-time leading rusher, reflected on Allen’s legacy and their time together on the field.
“Good afternoon,” a tearful Smith began on Instagram after a heavy sigh. “I’m sitting on my back patio reflecting on one of the best offensive linemen I’ve ever played with: Larry Allen.
“I got a call from my daughter. Skylar called to tell me that he passed away. I’m at a loss for words right now. Such a good dude. Great player. Super person. With deaths, bad weather, all kinds of things swirling around, loss of my folks and other friends, it just breaks my heart. I know life is very fragile, and we’re only here for a moment. And we need to make the best out of every moment and not take people for granted.
“[My wife] sent me a text last night about not taking folks for granted, and here we are today. All I can say is: live life to the fullest that you can. Love those that are closest to you, try to love those who are not near you as best you can. Let’s cut out all the bickering, all the separation, all the hierarchy and all the things that separate people- family, friends, culture, whatever you want to call it- some of those things are very minor in comparison to a human’s life.
“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. And he’ll be sorely missed; he’s always missed because he never came back to many of our functions. I don’t know if it’s because he put football behind him and moved on, but my thoughts and prayers go out to his family. My heart is just broken.”
Smith’s career spanned the same period as Allen’s early years with the Cowboys, and Allen was pivotal in paving the way for many of Smith’s record-setting 18,355 rushing yards.
The two developed a close bond during their time together, with Smith crediting Allen for much of his success.
Aikman shares tribute message for Larry Allen
Troy Aikman, another former teammate and quarterback for the Cowboys, also shared his grief on social media.
“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,”Aikman posted on his X profile.
Allen’s illustrious career, which included stints with both the Cowboys and the San Francisco 49ers, was marked by his powerful presence on the field and his quiet, kind demeanor off it.
He retired with the Cowboys in 2009 and was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2013.
