History of Eric Allen in Timeline
Eric Andre Allen is a former American football cornerback who played in the NFL from 1988 to 2001. He played for the Philadelphia Eagles, New Orleans Saints, and Oakland Raiders. A six-time Pro Bowl selection, Allen is known for his 54 career interceptions, which puts him at 21st in NFL history, totaling 826 return yards and eight touchdowns. He also recovered seven fumbles. After retiring in 2001, Allen became an NFL analyst for Pac-12 Networks. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2025.
November 22, 1965: Birth of Eric Allen
Eric Allen was born on November 22, 1965.
1988: NFL Debut
Eric Allen began his NFL career, playing for the Philadelphia Eagles in 1988.
1988: Drafted by Philadelphia Eagles
Eric Allen was drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles in the second round of the 1988 NFL draft.
October 3, 1993: Memorable Interception against New York Jets
On October 3, 1993, Eric Allen made a memorable 94-yard interception return for a touchdown against the New York Jets, a play dubbed "Greatest Interception Return in NFL History" by Steve Sabol.
1998: Knee Injury
Eric Allen suffered a knee injury during the 1998 season while playing for the Oakland Raiders.
May 2000: Eric Turner Award
Eric Allen's teammates honored him with the first annual Eric Turner award for the Raiders' most outstanding defensive player. The award was created in memory of Oakland free safety Eric Turner, who died of cancer in May 2000.
2001: Retirement from NFL
Eric Allen retired from professional football after the 2001 season.
2001: Games Played
Through the 2001 season, Eric Allen had played in 216 of 224 possible NFL games.
August 2002: Joins ESPN
Eric Allen joined ESPN as an NFL studio analyst in August 2002.
2009: Breitbard Hall of Fame Induction
In 2009, Eric Allen was inducted into the Breitbard Hall of Fame by the San Diego Hall of Champions.
December 19, 2018: San Diego Fleet Coaching Position
On December 19, 2018, Eric Allen was named defensive backs coach for the San Diego Fleet.
2019: Coaching Role with San Diego Fleet
In 2019, Eric Allen served as the defensive backs coach for the San Diego Fleet of the Alliance of American Football.
2025: Pro Football Hall of Fame Induction
In 2025, Eric Allen was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.