Larry Allen was an incredible offensive lineman for the Dallas Cowboys from 1994 to 2005.
Known for his rare mix of size, strength, and speed, he’s often called one of the best offensive linemen in NFL history.
Let’s dive into Larry Allen’s amazing career, his many achievements, and the legacy he left behind.
Larry Allen: Career Highlights
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Early Life | Born Nov 27, 1971, in Los Angeles. Overcame childhood challenges. |
| College | Attended Butte College and Sonoma State University. |
| NFL Career | Dallas Cowboys (1994-2005), 49ers (2006-2007) |
| Draft | Drafted by Cowboys in 1994, second round, 46th overall. |
| Prime Years | 11 Pro Bowls, 6 All-Pros (1995-2000) |
| Super Bowl | Won Super Bowl XXX with Cowboys |
| Hall of Fame | Inducted in 2013 |
| Physical Strength | Bench: 700+ lbs, Squat: 900 lbs, 40-yard: 5.21 sec |
| Notable Achievements | NFL 100 All-Time Team, All-Decade Teams (1990s, 2000s) |
| Career Stats | 203 games, 197 starts |
| Personal Life | Wife: Janelle, Children: Jayla, Loriana, Larry Jr. |
| Net Worth (2024) | $16M – $26M |
| Post-Retirement | Business ventures, philanthropy |
Early Life and Background
Larry Allen was born on November 27, 1971, in Los Angeles, California, and grew up in Compton.
Despite facing many challenges, including surviving a severe illness as a baby and a violent attack at age 10, his determination never wavered.
He went to four different high schools because his family moved a lot, but his talent in football was undeniable.
In high school, Allen’s skills began to shine.
Even though he didn’t graduate, he attended Butte College in Oroville, California.
His performance there got a lot of attention, leading him to transfer to Sonoma State University.
Here, Allen’s abilities truly stood out, preparing him for the NFL.
NFL Career
Draft and Early Years
In the 1994 NFL Draft, the Dallas Cowboys picked Larry Allen in the second round, 46th overall.
His impact was immediate. Allen showed his strength and agility right from the start.
As a rookie, he quickly adapted, contributing significantly to the Cowboys’ offensive line.
His ability to play both guard and tackle made him a valuable player.
Prime Years with the Cowboys
During his best years with the Cowboys, Allen became a key part of their offensive line.
He was selected for the Pro Bowl 11 times, showing his consistent performance.
From 1995 to 2000, he earned six straight All-Pro nods.
His play was crucial in the Cowboys’ success, especially their Super Bowl XXX win over the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Allen was a nightmare for opponents.
Known for his physical play, he often dominated defenders, helping the Cowboys’ running game and protecting the quarterback.
His ability to take on the league’s best defensive players made him one of the greatest offensive linemen ever.
Former Cowboys quarterback Troy Aikman once said,
“Larry was the type of player you could always rely on. His strength and skill set made him an anchor on our line, and he played a huge role in our success during those years.”
Aikman, Former Cowboys quarterback
Later Career and Retirement
Later in his career, Allen joined the San Francisco 49ers.
Despite injuries, he continued to play at a high level, helping the 49ers’ offensive line.
After two seasons with the 49ers, Allen retired, leaving a lasting impact on the game.
Super Bowl Achievements
Larry Allen’s Super Bowl win is a big part of his legacy.
He won one Super Bowl with the Cowboys, beating the Steelers in Super Bowl XXX.
As the starting right guard, Allen’s blocking was key to the Cowboys’ victory.
He created running lanes and protected the quarterback, contributing to the team’s success.
Winning the Super Bowl was a highlight of Allen’s career, cementing his status as a champion.
In a post-game interview, Allen said,
“Winning the Super Bowl was a dream come true. It validated all the hard work and sacrifices I made throughout my career. I was just glad to be able to contribute to our team’s success and share that moment with my teammates.”
Larry Allen
Hall of Fame Induction
In 2013, Larry Allen was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. His induction speech was heartfelt, thanking his family, coaches, and teammates.
He reflected on the challenges he overcame and the support he received.
Being inducted into the Hall of Fame was a well-deserved honor, recognizing Allen’s contributions to the NFL.
His legacy as one of the greatest offensive linemen is now enshrined forever.
During his induction speech, Allen said, “I stand here today because of the support from my family, coaches, and teammates.
They believed in me even when I doubted myself.
This honor is not just mine; it’s shared with everyone who helped me along the way.”
Physical Strength and Notable Achievements
Larry Allen was known for his incredible strength and athleticism. Here are some of his amazing feats:
- Bench Press: Allen once bench pressed over 700 pounds during an offseason workout.
- Squat: He also squatted 900 pounds.
- 40-Yard Dash: At the 1994 NFL Combine, he ran a 40-yard dash in 5.21 seconds.
- Combine Performance: He bench pressed 225 pounds 43 times at the Combine.
Notable Achievements
- Pro Bowl Selections: 11 times, the most by any Cowboys offensive lineman.
- All-Pro Selections: Seven First-team All-Pro selections.
- NFL 100 All-Time Team: Named as a guard.
- All-Decade Teams: Member of the NFL’s All-Decade Teams for the 1990s and 2000s.
- Super Bowl Champion: Won Super Bowl XXX with the Cowboys.
- Hall of Fame Induction: Inducted in 2013.
- Jersey Retirement: His 73 jersey was retired and displayed in the Cowboys Ring of Honor.
Allen’s mix of size (6’3″, 325 lbs), strength, and athleticism made him a force on the field.
Opponents often struggled against him, and he aimed to “break the will” of his adversaries.
Career Stats and Records
Allen’s career stats are impressive:
- Games Played: 203 games, starting 197.
- Pro Bowl Selections: 11 times.
- All-Pro Selections: Seven First-team All-Pro.
- NFL 100 All-Time Team: Named as a guard.
- All-Decade Teams: 1990s and 2000s.
- Super Bowl Champion: One championship (Super Bowl XXX).
- Combine Performance: 40-yard dash in 5.21 seconds and 225-pound bench press 43 times.
Allen’s career records highlight his strength, longevity, and versatility, making him one of the greatest offensive linemen ever.
Personal Life and Family
Larry Allen’s personal life was as inspiring as his career.
He was married to Janelle Allen, whom he called his “heart and soul” during his Hall of Fame speech. They had three children: Jayla, Loriana, and Larry Allen Jr.
Janelle Allen
- Devoted Wife: Janelle was a constant support throughout his career. Larry often credited her with keeping him grounded.
- First Date: Larry shared that their first date, where Janelle cooked him a meal and gave him a 40-ounce bottle, made him realize she was the one.
Jayla Allen
- Talented Actress and Writer: Jayla, the older daughter, was described as gifted in acting and writing. She attended Pepperdine University.
Loriana/Lariana Allen
- Exceptional Athlete: Loriana, the youngest daughter, was a standout high school basketball player. Larry often compared her to LeBron James. She also attended Pepperdine University.
Larry Allen Jr. / Larry III
- Following in His Father’s Footsteps: Larry Jr. signed an undrafted contract with the Cowboys in 2019 after playing for Harvard. He earned a degree in biomechanics from Harvard.
The Allen family is close-knit. Larry often shared family moments on social media, including his son’s graduation and family celebrations.
Net Worth and Post-Retirement Life
Larry Allen’s net worth in 2024 ranged between $16 million and $26 million, earned through his NFL career and endorsements.
After retiring, he stayed busy with business ventures and philanthropy.
NFL Earnings
- Lucrative Contracts: Allen signed a 6-year, $37 million contract extension with the Cowboys in 2002, including a $12 million signing bonus.
Business Ventures and Philanthropy
- Business Endeavors: Allen invested in various ventures, ensuring financial stability.
- Community Involvement: He actively supported charitable causes and gave back to his community.
Allen’s net worth and activities after retirement highlight his success both on and off the field.
His financial smarts and dedication to helping others further solidify his legacy.
To Conclude
Larry Allen’s legacy is that of a gentle giant off the field but a fierce force on it.
His blocking skills helped the Cowboys succeed and protected quarterbacks reliably.
Hall of Fame coach John Madden once said he’d choose Allen first for any team because of his rare mix of size, strength, speed, and agility.
Allen’s ability to play multiple positions at a high level was remarkable.
His many accolades, including his Hall of Fame induction, cement his status as one of the greatest ever.
His legacy will always be remembered in Canton, Ohio, and in the hearts of football fans everywhere.
FAQs about Larry Allen
How old is Larry Allen?
Larry Allen was 52 years old when he passed away on June 2, 2024. He was born on November 27, 1971.
How much does Larry Allen weigh?
Larry Allen weighed 325 pounds (147 kg) during his NFL career. His strength and size were key to his success.
How tall is Larry Allen?
Larry Allen stood 6 feet 3 inches (1.91 meters) tall.
Which college did Larry Allen attend?
Larry Allen attended Butte College and Sonoma State University, excelling at both schools.
What jersey number did Larry Allen wear?
Larry Allen wore jersey number 73 during his NFL career with the Dallas Cowboys.
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