Larry Allen: A Tribute To The Best (and Strongest)

LARRY ALLEN, Cowboy Great, and perhaps one of the best offensive lineman in the history of the NFL, signed with the 'Boys last week to a one day contract in order to retire with his Team. Allen spent the past two seasons with the San Francisco 49ers, but wanted to hang up his cleats with the team that he helped become legendary. In light of this, we at DallasDedicated felt it was necessary to formulate a tribute to Mr. Allen, the bench pressing, pass blocking, pancaking lineman.

A Few Great Larry Moments:

2006 Pro Bowl-- 43 reps of 225lbs!



And Kevin Durant couldn't even do one rep of 185.

The Famous 700 pound press



Also, please appreciate the athleticism of Joey Galloway leaping over Allen. It doesn't look like he made a safe landing.

Larry attended Sonoma State University, where he was the first player ever to be drafted in the NFL. Impressive.

Many (older) readers will remember the 1994 game against the New Orleans Saints in which Allen ran down a Saints cornerback after he had intercepted a Troy Aikman pass, saving a touchdown. Strong and speedy!

Notable Achievements:

--A 10 time Pro Bowler, only Bob Lily appeared in more Pro Bowls than Allen in Cowboys history. No offensive player in Cowboys history had more appearances. Added an 11th selection while with the 49ers.

--Also was a 7 time All-Pro selection.

--In 206 career games, Larry started 197 of those. Seems safe to say he made an immediate impact out of college.

--Won a Super Bowl (XXX).

--Was named to the 1990s All-Decade Team, along with former teammates Emmitt Smith, Michael Irvin, Mark Stepnoski and Deion Sanders.

Always a classy guy--as exhibited by his disagreements with Bill Parcells that you probably never heard about--Allen was, in every way, what a professional football player should be. Mark "the Gentle Giant" Tuinei, a great friend and teammate of Allen, passed away in 1999 after a more than successful career in Dallas. Larry never forgot him, and when he moved to San Francisco in 2006, changed his number from 73 to 71 in remembrance of his late friend. This story exemplifies what Allen was about: always the friendly, peaceful teammate whom everyone got along with. Now that this chapter in his life is passed, we are counting down the years until his 2013 Hall of Fame enshrinement will most certainly come. Until then, thanks for the memories, Larry.


--PD