NFL offensive lineman Larry Allen died Sunday while on vacation with his family in Mexico, according to ESPN. Allen was only 52 years old.
His former team, the Dallas Cowboys announced his death via statement, which they posted online.
“The Dallas Cowboys are very saddened to share that Cowboys legend, Super Bowl Champion, Cowboys Ring of Honor member, and Pro Football Hall of Fame Larry Allen passed away suddenly while on vacation in Mexico with his family on Sunday,” the team wrote in a statement.
“Larry, known for his great athleticism and incredible strength, was one of the most respected, accomplished offensive linemen to ever play in the NFL. His versatility and dependability were also signature parts of his career. Through that, he continued to serve as inspiration for many other players, defining what it meant to be a great teammate, competitor and winner.”
Allen, a member of the 2013 Pro Football Hall of Fame class, a second-round pick (46th overall) out of Sonoma State in the 1994 NFL Draft, played every offensive-line position for Dallas with the exception of center.
He suited up at right tackle (1994), right guard (1995-1997), left tackle (1998) and left guard (1999-2007). He earned 11 Pro Bowl selections, six First-Team All-Pro nods and was a member of the Cowboys’ latest Super Bowl team in the 1995 season. He was inducted into the Cowboys Ring of Honor in 2011.
Allen played a critical role in opening running lanes for Cowboys Pro Football Hall of Fame running back Emmitt Smith, the NFL’s all-time leading rusher.
The NFL honored the legend with a social post sending their thoughts to Allen’s loved ones.
Allen was also a member of both the 1990s and 2000s All-Decade teams with a career spanning 14 seasons from 1994-2007. He played 12 of his 14 seasons with Dallas (1994-2005) before wrapping up his football career with the San Francisco 49ers.
He is survived by wife Janelle Allen, daughters Jayla and Loriana, and son Larry III.