Larry Allen Jr. was an American football guard who had a successful fourteen-season career in the NFL, primarily with the Dallas Cowboys. Drafted in 1994 by the Cowboys, he played college football for the Butte Roadrunners and Sonoma State Cossacks. Allen was known for his exceptional physical strength and speed, which he effectively utilized against opponents, solidifying his place as one of the NFL's most powerful players.
November 27, 1971: Birth of Larry Allen
On November 27, 1971, Larry Christopher Allen Jr., a future NFL star, was born.
1975: Burton Lawless's Season
Burton Lawless had a notable season in 1975, setting a record for rookie offensive lineman starts.
1981: Dallas Cowboys' Offensive Lineman Selection
The year 1981 marked a significant draft choice for the Cowboys, selecting Howard Richards as an offensive lineman.
September 15, 1985: Cowboys' Record-Breaking Offensive Performance
On September 15, 1985, the Dallas Cowboys' offense achieved a remarkable feat, recording the most yardage for the team since that date.
1987: Kevin Gogan's Season
In 1987, Kevin Gogan made his mark, tying a record for rookie offensive lineman starts.
November 24, 1991: Erik Williams' Rookie Start
Erik Williams had a significant game on November 24, 1991, marking the first time a rookie offensive lineman started for Dallas since 1991.
1993: Protecting Randall Cunningham
In 1993, Allen played a key role in protecting quarterback Randall Cunningham and limiting sacks, contributing to the Cowboys' offensive successes throughout the season.
1994: Larry Allen's Rookie Season
Larry Allen started 10 games in his 1994 rookie season, showcasing his versatility by playing both guard and tackle positions.
1994: Larry Allen's NFL Draft
In 1994, Larry Allen was drafted into the NFL, marking the beginning of his professional football career.
1994: Plays Right Tackle for the Cowboys
In 1994, Larry Allen played right tackle for the Dallas Cowboys.
1994: Larry Allen Drafted by the Dallas Cowboys
Despite concerns about his background and a rotator cuff injury, Allen's potential was recognized, and he was drafted by the Dallas Cowboys in 1994.
1994: Start of Cowboys Career
Allen's journey with the Dallas Cowboys began in 1994, marking the start of a successful and impactful career with the franchise.
1995: Contribution to Cowboys' Rushing Success
Allen's blocking was instrumental in the Cowboys' impressive rushing performance in 1995, helping the team achieve the second-best rushing total in 20 years and significantly contributing to Emmitt Smith's rushing yards.
1995: Larry Allen's First Pro Bowl Selection
In 1995, after just one year as a starting guard, Allen was selected for his first Pro Bowl, marking the beginning of a string of consecutive appearances.
1995: Named All-Pro at Guard
Larry Allen was named All-Pro six times at guard during his career, including in 1995.
January 28, 1996: Larry Allen's First Super Bowl Start and Victory
On January 28, 1996, Larry Allen started in his first Super Bowl, contributing to the Cowboys' victory and earning his only Super Bowl ring.
1996: Larry Allen's Continued Success
In 1996, Allen's strong performance continued as he earned a second consecutive Pro Bowl selection, along with All-Pro and All-NFC honors.
1996: Season Opener Against Arizona Cardinals
In 1996, during the season opener against the Arizona Cardinals, Allen helped Dallas gain 444 total yards, the team's highest since 1996.
1997: Larry Allen's Versatility Shines
Despite being shifted between guard and tackle throughout the 1997 season, Allen's adaptability and skill were evident as he was chosen for his third straight Pro Bowl.
1997: Named All-Pro at Guard
Larry Allen was named All-Pro six times at guard during his career, including in 1997.
December 14, 1998: 49ers Set Rushing Record Against Lions
On December 14, 1998, the San Francisco 49ers rushed for a then-franchise-record 328 yards against the Detroit Lions.
1998: Larry Allen Makes History with Pro Bowl Selection at Multiple Positions
In 1998, Allen etched his name in NFL history by becoming one of the few players to earn Pro Bowl recognition at multiple offensive line positions.
1998: Named All-Pro at Tackle and Earns Pro Bowl Selection
In 1998, Larry Allen was named All-Pro at tackle and also earned a Pro Bowl selection, making him one of few players to achieve this at multiple offensive line positions.
1998: Protecting the Cowboys Backfield
Throughout 1998, Allen protected the Cowboys backfield, limiting sacks and paving the way for impressive rushing performances by Emmitt Smith and Chris Warren. Notably, he helped Smith break and set the NFL's all-time rushing touchdown record.
1998: Flozell Adams Breaks Rookie Start Record
Flozell Adams had an impressive start to his career, breaking the record for rookie offensive lineman starts in 1998.
1999: Fifth Pro Bowl Selection
Despite changing positions and battling injuries, Allen was selected for his fifth consecutive Pro Bowl in 1999 and earned All-Pro honors.
1999: Named All-Pro at Guard
Larry Allen was named All-Pro six times at guard during his career, including in 1999.
2000: Sixth Consecutive Pro Bowl and All-Pro Honors
Allen continued his impressive performance in 2000, earning his sixth Pro Bowl selection and receiving both All-Pro and All-NFC honors. His contribution as part of the offensive line resulted in a significantly low number of sacks allowed during the season.
2001: Seventh Consecutive Pro Bowl Selection
Allen earned his seventh consecutive Pro Bowl selection and All-Pro recognition in 2001, but an elbow surgery prevented him from playing in the game.
2001: Named All-Pro at Guard
Larry Allen was named All-Pro six times at guard during his career, including in 2001.
2002: Sidelined with Ankle Injury
Allen's 2002 season was cut short due to a left ankle sprain requiring surgery, highlighting the physical demands of professional football.
2002: Overcoming Injury Challenges
Despite facing injury challenges throughout 2002, Allen persevered and was selected as an offensive captain by his teammates. He played through a demanding season, showcasing his resilience and leadership on the field.
2003: Eighth Pro Bowl Selection After Injury Comeback
In 2003, Allen made a strong comeback after missing a significant portion of the previous season due to injury, earning his eighth Pro Bowl selection for his performance.
2003: Plays Left Guard for the Cowboys
In 2003, Larry Allen played left guard for the Dallas Cowboys.
2004: Ninth Pro Bowl Selection
Allen's consistency and performance earned him his ninth Pro Bowl selection in 2004, solidifying his place as one of the league's premier guards.
2005: Tenth Pro Bowl Selection
Allen was selected to his tenth Pro Bowl in 2005 and started every game for the Cowboys, showcasing his durability and value to the team.
2005: End of Cowboys Tenure
Allen's time with the Dallas Cowboys concluded in 2005, leaving behind a legacy of excellence and contributions to the team's offensive line.
March 21, 2006: Released by the Dallas Cowboys
After 12 seasons with the Dallas Cowboys, Allen was released on March 21, 2006, marking the end of an era for the offensive lineman and the team.
2006: Strongest Man Award at Pro Bowl Weekend
Allen won the ESPN "Strongest Man Award" at the 2006 Pro Bowl weekend, demonstrating his impressive strength and athleticism off the field.
2006: Earns 11th Pro Bowl Selection
In 2006, Larry Allen was named to his 11th Pro Bowl, marking his last as a 49er.
2006: Joins the San Francisco 49ers
In 2006, after being released by the Dallas Cowboys, Larry Allen joined the San Francisco 49ers as an unrestricted free agent. He also switched from his long-time jersey number 73 to number 71.
2007: Allen Starts All Games, Pro Bowl Alternate
In 2007, Larry Allen started all 16 games at left guard for the San Francisco 49ers. He was also selected as an alternate for the Pro Bowl.
2007: Allen's Success with the 49ers
Throughout 2007, Allen started all 16 games as left guard for the 49ers and was voted as a Pro Bowl alternate. He also successfully defended his "Strongest Man Award" title at the 2007 Pro Bowl.
August 29, 2009: Retires as a Dallas Cowboy
On August 29, 2009, Larry Allen signed a one-day contract with the Dallas Cowboys, allowing him to retire with the team. The Cowboys then placed him on their retired list.
November 6, 2011: Inducted into the Dallas Cowboys Ring of Honor
On November 6, 2011, during halftime of the Cowboys-Seahawks game, Larry Allen was inducted into the Dallas Cowboys Ring of Honor alongside Drew Pearson and Charles Haley.
February 2, 2013: Inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame
On February 2, 2013, Larry Allen was voted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
2013: Larry Allen's Induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame
In 2013, Larry Allen was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, a testament to his remarkable NFL career.
2019: Son Signs with Dallas Cowboys
In 2019, Larry Allen's son, Larry Allen III, was signed by the Dallas Cowboys as an undrafted player.
June 2, 2024: Passing of Larry Allen
Larry Allen passed away on June 2, 2024.