History of Eric Allen in Timeline

Eric Allen is a former American professional football cornerback who played in the NFL from 1988 to 2001 for the Philadelphia Eagles, New Orleans Saints, and Oakland Raiders. A six-time Pro Bowl selection, he amassed 54 interceptions, ranking him among the NFL's all-time leaders, and scored eight touchdowns. Currently an NFL analyst for Pac-12 Networks, Allen was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2025.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

November 22, 1965: Eric Allen Born

On November 22, 1965, Eric Andre Allen was born. He later became a professional football player.

Others born on this day/year

June 19, 1988: Signed with Philadelphia Eagles

On June 19, 1988, Eric Allen signed a four-year, $1.05 million rookie contract with the Philadelphia Eagles, which included a $260,000 signing bonus.

September 10, 1988: NFL Regular Season Debut

On September 10, 1988, Eric Allen made his professional regular season debut for the Philadelphia Eagles against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, recording four solo tackles and his first career interception of a pass by Vinny Testaverde.

November 13, 1988: Intercepted Bubby Brister

On November 13, 1988, Eric Allen recorded one solo tackle, three pass deflections, and intercepted a pass by Bubby Brister in the Eagles' win against the Pittsburgh Steelers.

1988: Joined the NFL

In 1988, Eric Allen began his NFL career, playing cornerback for the Philadelphia Eagles.

1988: Drafted by Philadelphia Eagles

In 1988, Eric Allen was drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles in the second round (30th overall) of the NFL draft.

January 11, 1989: Defensive Coordinator Change

On January 11, 1989, Wade Phillips left his position as defensive coordinator for the Philadelphia Eagles to accept the same position with the Denver Broncos; Jeff Fisher was promoted to replace him. Eric Allen was named the No. 1 starting cornerback.

September 17, 1989: Intercepted Mark Rypien

On September 17, 1989, Eric Allen recorded five solo tackles, made two pass deflections, and intercepted a pass by Mark Rypien during a 42–27 win at the Washington Redskins.

December 3, 1989: Intercepted Phil Simms

On December 3, 1989, Eric Allen broke up a pass and intercepted a pass by Phil Simms during a 24–17 victory against the New York Giants.

December 23, 1990: First Career Touchdown

On December 23, 1990, Eric Allen made four solo tackles, two pass deflections, intercepted two passes by Babe Laufenberg, and returned one for a 35-yard touchdown, marking the first touchdown of his career in a game against the Dallas Cowboys.

1990: Playoff Berth

The Philadelphia Eagles finished second in the NFC East at the conclusion of the 1990 NFL season and earned a Wild-Card berth for their third consecutive playoff appearance.

January 5, 1991: NFC Wild Card Game

On January 5, 1991, Eric Allen started in the NFC Wild Card Game, recording three solo tackles, one pass deflection, and intercepting a pass by Mark Rypien in a 20-6 loss to the Washington Redskins.

January 8, 1991: Buddy Ryan Fired

On January 8, 1991, Philadelphia Eagles head coach Buddy Ryan was fired; offensive coordinator Rich Kotite was then promoted to head coach.

September 1, 1991: Intercepted Don Majkowski

On September 1, 1991, Eric Allen started in the Eagles' season-opener against the Green Bay Packers, recording three solo tackles and intercepting a pass by Don Majkowski in a 20-3 win.

June 1992: Jerome Brown's Death

The Eagles' defense in June 1992 was profoundly effected by the sudden death of Jerome Brown before training camp.

September 3, 1992: Re-signed with Philadelphia Eagles

On September 3, 1992, Eric Allen re-signed with the Philadelphia Eagles for three years and $3.60 million after holding out for a contract that made him one of the highest-paid defensive backs. He was named a starting cornerback.

November 8, 1992: Intercepted Todd Marinovich Twice

On November 8, 1992, Eric Allen recorded six solo tackles, two pass deflections, and two interceptions off passes by Todd Marinovich in a game where the Eagles defeated the Los Angeles Raiders 31-10.

1992: Selected for 1992 Pro Bowl

Eric Allen was selected for the 1992 Pro Bowl, marking his second Pro Bowl selection.

1992: Wild Card Berth

The Philadelphia Eagles finished the 1992 NFL season with an 11–5 record to earn a Wild-Card berth.

January 3, 1993: NFC Wild-Card Game Victory

On January 3, 1993, Eric Allen recorded three combined tackles, four pass deflections, and two interceptions, returning one for a touchdown, in the NFC Wild-Card Game, helping the Eagles secure a 36-20 victory over the New Orleans Saints.

September 12, 1993: Intercepted Brett Favre

On September 12, 1993, Eric Allen intercepted a pass by Brett Favre, sparking a fourth-quarter comeback for the Eagles in their 20-17 victory against the Green Bay Packers.

October 3, 1993: Game-Winning Pick-Six

On October 3, 1993, Eric Allen intercepted a pass attempt by Boomer Esiason and returned it 94 yards for a touchdown, leading the Eagles to a 35-30 victory over the New York Jets.

December 26, 1993: Allen's exceptional performance against the Saints

On December 26, 1993, Eric Allen had an amazing performance against the New Orleans Saints. He made three pass deflections, set a season-high with two interceptions, and returned both for touchdowns, leading the Eagles to a 37-26 victory. Allen intercepted Steve Walsh's pass to Eric Martin and returned it 33 yards for a touchdown. He then intercepted another pass from Walsh to Torrance Small and had a 25-yard return for a touchdown.

1993: Starting Cornerback

In 1993, Eric Allen was named a starting cornerback for the Eagles, paired with Mark McMillian.

1994: Allen becomes an unrestricted free agent

Following the conclusion of the 1994 NFL season, Eric Allen became an unrestricted free agent. The Philadelphia Eagles designated Allen with their transition tag, allowing them to retain him if they matched any contract offers from other teams within seven days.

1994: Selection for the 1994 Pro Bowl

In 1994, Eric Allen was selected to appear in the 1994 Pro Bowl, marking the fourth of his career.

March 18, 1995: Saints submit contract offer for Allen

On March 18, 1995, the New Orleans Saints submitted a contract offer sheet for Eric Allen. He could only be acquired if the Eagles declined to match their offer within seven days.

November 5, 1995: Allen's first interception with the Saints

On November 5, 1995, Eric Allen made four solo tackles, one pass deflection, and had his first interception with the Saints. The interception occurred on a pass attempt thrown by Chris Miller to Isaac Bruce during a 19-10 victory against the St. Louis Rams.

November 26, 1995: Allen intercepts a pass to secure victory against the Panthers

On November 26, 1995, Eric Allen recorded two combined tackles, set a season-high with two pass deflections, and intercepted a pass from Kerry Collins to Eric Guliford late in the fourth quarter. This interception helped secure the Saints' 34-26 victory against the Carolina Panthers.

August 31, 1996: Allen intercepts pass in season opener against Rams

On August 31, 1996, Eric Allen started in the Saints' season-opener at Los Angeles Rams and recorded four solo tackles, one pass deflection, and intercepted a pass Tony Banks to Torrance Small. However, the Saints lost 38-24.

October 21, 1996: Jim Mora resigns as head coach of the Saints

On October 21, 1996, Jim Mora resigned as head coach after the Saints fell to a 2–6 record. Linebackers coach Rick Venturi was appointed as the interim head coach.

December 21, 1996: Allen records interception in loss against the Rams

On December 21, 1996, Eric Allen made five combined tackles, three pass deflections, and had his lone interception of the season. The interception was on a pass Tony Banks threw to Isaac Bruce during a 14-13 loss at the St. Louis Rams.

1996: Allen selected for the 1996 Pro Bowl

In 1996, Eric Allen was selected for the 1996 Pro Bowl.

January 28, 1997: Mike Ditka hired as head coach of the Saints

On January 28, 1997, the New Orleans Saints announced their decision to hire Mike Ditka as their new head coach.

March 5, 1998: Allen traded to the Oakland Raiders

On March 5, 1998, the Oakland Raiders traded a fourth round pick in the 1998 NFL draft to the New Orleans Saints in return for Eric Allen.

April 15, 1998: Allen signs contract extension with the Raiders

On April 15, 1998, Eric Allen signed a three–year, $8 million contract extension with the Oakland Raiders that included a signing bonus of $1 million.

October 4, 1998: Allen intercepts pass in victory against the Cardinals

On October 4, 1998, Eric Allen made five solo tackles, two pass deflections, and intercepted a pass Jake Plummer threw to Larry Centers during a 23–20 victory at the Arizona Cardinals.

November 18, 1998: Allen placed on injured reserve

On November 18, 1998, the Raiders officially placed Eric Allen on injured reserve for the remainder of the season. He required surgery to repair the torn ACL in his left knee.

May 2000: The Eric Turner award created

In May 2000, 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 the memory of the Oakland free safety who died of abdominal cancer.

2001: Retired from NFL

In 2001, Eric Allen retired from the NFL after playing for the Philadelphia Eagles, New Orleans Saints, and Oakland Raiders.

2001: Allen's Games Played

Through the 2001 season, Eric Allen played in 216 of a possible 224 games.

August 2002: Allen joins ESPN as an NFL analyst

In August 2002, Eric Allen joined ESPN as an NFL studio analyst. Allen primarily appears on ESPN's "Sportscenter" as an NFL analyst.

2009: Allen inducted into Breitbard Hall of Fame

In 2009, Eric Allen was inducted by the San Diego Hall of Champions into the Breitbard Hall of Fame, honoring San Diego's finest athletes both on and off the playing surface.