Tributes pour in for NFL Great Larry Allen after he unexpectedly passed away

Larry Allen is one of the few players in any sport who has become known for being unequivocally the greatest in their position. As such, once news broke of his unexpected death on June 4th, tributes poured in for the former Cowboy. Let's take a look at some of the most touching.

The NFL official X account (formerly Twitter) posted a statement saying, "The NFL family is deeply saddened by the passing of Hall of Famer, Super Bowl Champion and Cowboys legend, Larry Allen."

Tony Casillas, who overlapped with Allen at the Cowboys, also posted on X, his tribute read, "Just heard the horrible news about one of the greatest players that’s ever played our game, Larry Allen, RIP gladiator. Honored to have been your teammate."

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Another former teammate of Allen, Emmitt Smith, posted an emotional video on social media. The New York Daily News transcribed it, with Smith telling his followers, "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."

Former Cowboys tight end and current Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell told reporters at a press conference, "Anybody who was around Larry will tell you what an unbelievable dude he was. What an unbelievable human being, an unbelievable teammate. And then his play on the field speaks for itself - he was a rare, rare player," following his team's recent OTA practice, per The Daily Mail.

Allen's daughter, Jayla, who was on vacation with her father when he died, posted an emotional tribute on Instagram, writing, "This doesn't feel real dad. I am heart broken and don't know where to go from this. I was blessed with the best father who loved me unconditionally. You would do anything for our family and I am forever grateful."

Former Dallas Cowboys offensive guard Larry Allen has died aged 52, per the Dallas Cowboys. Let's take a look back at Allen's life and achievements.

Allen was on vacation with his family when he died suddenly and unexpectedly.

The Cowboys released a statement regarding Allen’s death, saying, “Larry, known for his great athleticism and incredible strength, was one of the most respected, accomplished offensive linemen to ever play in the NFL.”

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Allen, who is generally considered one of the best to ever play the sport, was described in the statement as, “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,” and that, “The Jones family and the Cowboys extend their deepest condolences, thoughts and prayers to the Allen family.”

The Cowboys’ statement also noted they will release details of their memorial services in the coming days, with the team expected to honor one of their favorite former players.

Allen was a huge, athletic tackle who was a dominant force along the Cowboys’ offensive front during the 90s, helping Dallas win Super Bowl XXX in 1996.

Allen was selected by the Cowboys in the second-round of the 1994 draft, coming out of Sonoma State. As ESPN puts it, Allen, “quickly became one of the most dominant offensive linemen in the NFL”.

ESPN also notes Allen’s tough upbringing. Brought up in Compton, California, Allen was once stabbed 12 times while protecting a younger brother.

The NFL is a leak of athletic freaks, so for someone to stand out in the way Allen did is remarkable. Per Yahoo Sports, Allen was known for benching 700 lbs in the Cowboys’ weight room and once chased down a Saints linebacker to make a TD-saving tackle despite weighing 325 lbs (at least!).

Allen will be remembered for his footballing dominance, with his bust already firmly secured in the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

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