Overview of Larry Allen
Larry Allen was a Pro Football Hall of Fame offensive guard who played in the National Football League from 1994 to 2007. He is widely recognized for his strength, consistency, and impact in protecting quarterbacks and opening running lanes. Best known for his time with the Dallas Cowboys and later the San Francisco 49ers, Allen earned nine Pro Bowl selections and was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2013. This profile outlines his playing career, key achievements, and publicly available information about his personal life, including his son.
College career and entry into the NFL
Before entering the NFL, Allen played college football at Sonoma State University, a Division II program in California. Despite limited visibility from larger programs, he established himself as a dominant run blocker and developed the strength and technique that would define his professional career. In 1994, he was selected in the seventh round by the Dallas Cowboys, a choice that surprised some scouts but quickly proved prescient as he became one of the premier guards in the league.
Notable achievements and accolades
During his 14-season career, Allen achieved consistent excellence and became one of the most celebrated offensive linemen of his era. He was a nine-time Pro Bowl selection and earned First-Team All-Pro honors in 2002. His durability and performance were instrumental to the Cowboys’ offensive line success in the late 1990s and early 2000s. In 2013, Allen was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, cementing his legacy as one of the top linemen in NFL history.
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Birth date | March 25, 1972 | Official biographies and public records |
| Birthplace | Los Alamitos, California, U.S. | Official biographies and public records |
| College | Sonoma State University | NCAA and school records |
| NFL Draft | 1994: 7th round, 211th overall (Dallas Cowboys) | NFL Draft records |
| Pro Bowl selections | 9 | NFL historical archives |
| Hall of Fame induction | 2013 | Pro Football Hall of Fame |
| Primary positions | Guard | Team rosters and play logs |
| Key teams | Dallas Cowboys, San Francisco 49ers | Team rosters and transaction reports |
Playing style and on-field impact
Allen was renowned for his combination of power, footwork, and reliability. As a pass protector, he helped stabilize quarterback play for both the Cowboys and the 49ers. In the running game, his ability to create and sustain lanes was a critical component of his teams’ ground attacks. Teammates and opposing players often highlighted his work ethic and football intelligence, which allowed him to excel in complex schemes and adjust to evolving defensive tactics.
Personal life and family
Information about Allen’s family is limited in public sources, consistent with his preference for privacy outside of football. He has spoken in interviews about the importance of his son and being a role model in his life. Details regarding his son’s name, age, or specific activities are not widely documented in reliable media or biographical records. Allen has maintained a relatively private personal life while engaging in charitable work and community initiatives tied to youth and fitness.
Public engagement and legacy
Since retiring from football, Allen has participated in NFL events, Hall of Fame ceremonies, and occasional media appearances that focus on the legacy of the great game rather than personal narratives. He has not published a memoir or engaged in widespread public storytelling about his upbringing or family. As a result, the public record contains very little about his son beyond the general acknowledgment that he has children and values family. Hall of Fame profiles and team retrospectives continue to emphasize his on-field contributions and leadership.
Key takeaways
- Larry Allen was a Pro Football Hall of Fame guard known for exceptional strength and consistency.
- He played primarily for the Dallas Cowboys and San Francisco 49ers over a 14-season career.
- Allen earned nine Pro Bowl selections and was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2013.
- Detailed public information about his son is limited; he has maintained privacy regarding family matters.
- His legacy centers on his elite performance as an offensive lineman and his durability in the NFL.
FAQ
Reader questions
What is Larry Allen best known for?
Larry Allen is best known as a Pro Football Hall of Fame offensive guard who played for the Dallas Cowboys and San Francisco 49ers, earning nine Pro Bowl selections and recognition for his strength, consistency, and impact on both run blocking and pass protection.
Does Larry Allen have a son mentioned in reliable sources?
Publicly available and reliable sources confirm that Larry Allen has a son, but detailed, verified information about his son’s identity, age, or activities is not documented in widely reported media or official biographies. Allen has referred to the importance of family in limited interviews without providing specifics.
Where can I find verified information about Larry Allen’s career?
Verified information about Larry Allen’s career can be found in Pro Football Hall of Fame records, NFL historical archives, official team websites from the Cowboys and 49ers, and reputable biographical sources that cite league and team documentation.