History of Larry Allen in Timeline

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: 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.

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: Plays Right Tackle for the Cowboys

In 1994, Larry Allen played right tackle for the Dallas Cowboys.

1994: Larry Allen's NFL Draft

In 1994, Larry Allen was drafted into the NFL, marking the beginning of his professional football career.

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: 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.

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.

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.