FRISCO, Texas – Larry Allen, arguably one of the greatest players in the history of the Cowboys and perhaps the best offensive linemen in the NFL history, has passed away far too soon.
Allen died on Sunday at the age of just 52 years old. He was vacationing in Mexico with his family when he passed away.
Inducted as a first-ballot Hall of Famer in 2013, Allen was a member of the All-Decade team both in the 1990s and 2000s. From 1994 to 2007, Allen played 14 seasons in the NFL, including the first 12 with the Cowboys.
Allen is one of three Cowboys in team history with double-digit Pro Bowl selections. He had 10 Pro Bowls and seven All-Pro selections with the Cowboys. Allen finished his playing career with the 49ers and earned an 11th Pro Bowl in 2006.
The Cowboys released a statement on Monday morning on Allen's death:
The Dallas Cowboys are very saddened to share that Cowboys legend, Super Bowl Champion, Cowboys Ring of Honor member, and Pro Football Hall of Famer Larry Allen passed away suddenly while on vacation in Mexico with his family on Sunday. 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.
He was deeply loved and cared for by his wife, Janelle – whom he referred to as his heart and soul, his daughters Jayla and Loriana and son, Larry III.
The Jones family and the Cowboys extend their deepest condolences, thoughts and prayers to the Allen family and grieve along with the many other friends and Cowboys teammates that also loved Larry.
Memorial service arrangements and details will be announced in the near future.
Drafted in the second round of the 1994 NFL Draft out of Sonoma State in California, Allen quickly showed the world his awesome combination of size and strength. However, it was another trait – speed – that probably got him on the NFL map early on. During a Monday Night Football game in New Orleans during his rookie year in 1994, Allen chased down Saints linebacker Darion Conner after an interception, tackling him from behind to save a touchdown. The MNF announcers of Frank Gifford, Al Michaels and Dan Dierdorf were blown away in amazement of Allen's speed and quickness for his size.
73 views from the amazing life and playing career of the Hall of Fame Dallas Cowboys Guard Larry Allen.
Dallas Cowboys guard Larry Allen (73) celebrates following the NFC Championship Game, a 38 - 27 Cowboys victory over the Green Bay Packers on Jan. 14, 1996, at Texas Stadium in Irving, Tex. (AP Photo / Al Messerschmidt)
Oakland Raiders vs. Dallas Cowboys at Oakland Alameda County Coliseum Sunday, August 15, 1999. Raiders beat Cowboys 10-3 in a preseason game. Dallas Cowboys guard Larry Allen (73). (AP Photo/Al Golub)
Guard Larry Allen #73 of the Dallas Cowboys before the game against the Oakland Raiders at McAfee Coliseum in Oakland, California on October 2, 2005. The Raiders defeated the Cowboys 19-13. (AP Photo/Paul Spinelli)
Offensive guard Larry Allen #73, tackle Flozell Adams #76, and Andre Gurode #65 of the Dallas Cowboys march toward the line of scrimmage against the Oakland Raiders at McAfee Coliseum in Oakland, California on October 2, 2005. The Raiders defeated the Cowboys 19-13. (AP Photo/Paul Spinelli)
Dallas Cowboys guard Larry Allen (73) is seen in action during an NFL game against the Washington Redskins Oct. 4, 1998, at RFK Stadium in Washington. The Cowboys defeated the Redskins 31â€"10. (Allen Kee via AP)
Dallas Cowboys' Larry Allen is pictured in action against the Philadelphia Eagles, date and location unknown. (AP Photo)
Dallas Cowboys guard Larry Allen (73) is seen in action during Super Bowl XXX Jan. 28, 1996, at Sun Devil Stadium in Tempe, Ariz. The Cowboys defeated the Steelers 27–17. (Tony Tomsic via AP)
Dallas Cowboys offensive guards Larry Allen (73) and Ron Stone (65) pose with running back Emmitt Smith (22) during Media Day before Super Bowl XXX in Tempe, AZ, Jan. 23, 1996. (Paul Spinelli via AP)
Dallas Cowboys guard Larry Allen (73) awaits the snap against the San Francisco 49ers in San Francisco, CA, Nov. 10, 1996. The Cowboys defeated the 49ers 20-17. (Paul Spinelli via AP)
Oakland Raiders vs. Dallas Cowboys at Oakland Alameda County Coliseum Sunday, November 19, 1995. Cowboys beat Raiders 34-21. Dallas Cowboys quarterback Troy Aikman (8) shakes hands with guard Larry Allen (73). (AP Photo/Al Golub)
Dallas Cowboys guard Larry Allen (73) claps on the field while facing the San Francisco 49ers in San Francisco, CA, Nov. 10, 1996. The Cowboys defeated the 49ers 20-17. (Paul Spinelli via AP)
Dallas Cowboys offensive guard Larry Allen (73), quarterback Troy Aikman (8), and center Derek Kennard (60) approach the line of scrimmage during Super Bowl XXX against the Pittsburgh Steelers in Tempe, AZ, Jan. 28, 1996. The Cowboys defeated the Steelers 27-17. (Paul Spinelli via AP)
Offensive lineman Larry Allen (73) blocks for quarterback Troy Aikman (8) against the Pittsburgh Steelers pass rush at Tempe in Super Bowl XXX on January 28, 1996. (Al Messerschmidt via AP)
Dallas Cowboys guard Larry Allen (73) is seen in action during Super Bowl XXX Jan. 28, 1996, at Sun Devil Stadium in Tempe, Ariz. The Cowboys defeated the Steelers 27–17. (Tony Tomsic via AP)
The Dallas Cowboys tight end Jay Novacek (84) gets congratulations from teammate Larry Allen (73), Emmitt Smith (22) and Michael Irvin (88) after Novacek scored his teams first touchdown in the first quarter at Super Bowl XXX in Tempe, Arizona, Jan. 28, 1996. (AP Photo/David Phillip)
Larry Allen of the Dallas Cowboys blocks against the New York Giants at Texas Stadium in Irving, Texas on December 21, 2003. Dallas won 19-3. (AP Photo/G. Newman Lowrance)
Larry Allen of the Dallas Cowboys looks to block against the New York Giants at Texas Stadium in Irving, Texas on December 21, 2003. Dallas won 19-3. (AP Photo/G. Newman Lowrance)
Dallas Cowboys offensive guard Larry Allen during 43-39 during victory over the Seattle Seahawks at Qwest Field in Monday Night Football game in Seattle, Wash. on Dec. 6, 2004. (Kirby Lee via AP)
Larry Allen #73 of the Dallas Cowboys blocks against the Cincinnati Bengals during an NFL football game on Nov. 7, 2004 in Cincinnati. The Bengals defeated the Cowboys 26-3. (Joe Robbins via AP)
NFC guard Larry Allen (73) of the Dallas Cowboys in action during the AFC's 29-24 victory over the NFC in the 1998 NFL Pro Bowl played on February 1, 1998 at Aloha Stadium in Honolulu, Hawaii. (Paul Spinelli via AP)
Offensive guard Larry Allen #73 of the Dallas Cowboys blocks against the Philadelphia Eagles at Texas Stadium on November 15, 2004 in Irving, Texas. The Eagles defeated the Cowboys 49-21. (AP Photo/Paul Spinelli)
Dallas Cowboys offensive lineman Larry Allen sits on the bench during an NFL football game against the St. Louis Rams Sunday, Jan. 1, 2006, in Irving, Texas. (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez)
Larry Allen smiles at a news confernce anouncing a new contract with the Dallas Cowboys in Irving, Texas, Tuesday, Jan. 6, 1998. In signing the six-year contract, Allen became the NFL's highest-paid offensive lineman. (AP Photo/LM Otero)
Dallas Cowboys head coach Dave Campo, foreground, back to camera, is dwarfed by members of the team's offensive line during a team meeting following a morning practice at the Alamodome in San Antonio, Tuesday, July 30, 2002. Some of the players include Raghib Ismail (81), Larry Allen (73), Flozell Adams (76), Aaron Gibson (63) and Char-ron Dorsey (79). (AP Photo/Eric Gay)
Dallas Cowboys guard Larry Allen workouts with a medicine ball as members of his team, background, participate in morning practice at training camp, Saturday, July 30, 2005, in Oxnard, Calif. Nine-time Pro Bowl offensive lineman, Allen didn't participate in the opening day of the Dallas Cowboys training camp Saturday and was placed on the physically unable to perform list. (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez)
FILE - In this Aug. 1, 2005, file photo, Dallas Cowboys guard Larry Allen (73) shares a laugh with wide reciever Zuriel Smith (87) prior to the start of afternoon practice at NFL football training camp in Oxnard, Calif. Allen will be inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame on Saturday, Aug. 3, 2013, in Canton, Ohio. (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez, File)
Dallas Cowboys guard Larry Allen at practice for the NFL Pro Bowl on January 31, 1996, in Honolulu, Hawaii. (Paul Spinelli via AP)
NFC Dallas Cowboys players including guard Larry Allen (73), cornerback Deion Sanders (21) and running back Emmitt Smith (22) clown around as they pose for a media day photo during the week of the 1999 NFL Pro Bowl football game between the AFC and the NFC on February 7, 1999 in Honolulu, Hawaii. The AFC won the game 23-10. (AP Photo/Paul Spinelli)
Dallas Cowboys players Leon Lett (78), Kavika Pittman (97), Larry Allen (73), Tony Tolbert (97), Erik Williams (97), Darren Benson (91), and Russell Maryland goof around at Media Day on January 23, 1996, at Sun Devil Stadium in Tempe, Arizona. (Paul Spinelli via AP)
Dallas Cowboys and NFC all-stars Nate Newton (79) and Larry Allen (73) pose for a photo during NFL Pro Bowl Photo Day in Honolulu, HI, Jan. 31, 1998. (Paul Spinelli via AP)
Dallas Cowboys La'Roi Glover, Larry Allen, Dexter Coakley, Flozell Adams, and Roy Williams at the 2004 NFL Pro Bowl. The NFC rallied from 25 points behind to win the game by a record (total score) of 55 to 52 over the AFC in Honolulu, Hawaii on February 7, 2004. (AP Photo/Paul Spinelli)
NFC Dallas Cowboys 2005 NFL Pro Bowl All-Stars (players left to right: Jason Witten #82, La'Roi Glover #97, Larry Allen #73, and Roy Williams #31) pose with Hawaiian Hula girls for their 2005 NFL Pro Bowl team photo on February 11, 2005 in Ko Olina, Hawaii. (AP Photo/Paul Spinelli)
Dallas Cowboys football players (from left) Jason Witten, Larry Allen, La'Roi Glover, and Roy Williams, pose with hula dancers Anreana Tseu, left, and Liana Green, right, during a photo session prior to NFC practice for the Pro Bowl Friday, Feb. 10, 2006 in Honolulu. (AP Photo/Ted S. Warren)
Dallas Cowboys guard Larry Allen (73) a 26-23 AFC overtime victory on February 2, 1997, at Aloha Stadium in Honolulu, Hawaii. (Paul Spinelli via AP)
Dallas Cowboys guard Larry Allen (73) sets to block during the NFL Pro Bowl, a 29 - 24 AFC victory on Feb. 1, 1998, at Aloha Stadium in Honolulu. (Al Messerschmidt via AP)
Larry Allen #73 of the Dallas Cowboys National Football Conference NFC All-Stars pass blocks at the 2006 NFL Pro Bowl at Aloha Stadium on February 12, 2006 in Honolulu, Hawaii. The NFC defeated the AFC 23-17. (AP Photo/Paul Spinelli)
NFC guard Larry Allen #73 of the Dallas Cowboys pass blocks against AFC defensive tackle Marcus Stroud #99 of the Jacksonville Jaguars during the 2005 NFL Pro Bowl All-Stars game on February 13, 2005 at Aloha Stadium in Honolulu, Hawaii. The AFC defeated the NFC 38-27. (AP Photo/Paul Spinelli)
NFC offensive guard Larry Allen of the Dallas Cowboys during 38-27 loss to the AFC in the NFL Pro Bowl at Aloha Stadium in Honolulu, HI on Sunday, Feb. 13, 2005. (Kirby Lee via AP)
Dallas Cowboys guard Larry Allen laughs during a news conference in Irving, Texas, Thursday, March 7, 2002. The Cowboys announced a contract extension for All-Pro guard Allen. The agreement will make Allen one of the highest-paid NFL offensive linemen and likely keep him in Dallas for the rest of his career. (AP Photo/Donna McWilliam)
Dallas Cowboys Hall of Famer Larry Allen, left, helps his son, Larry Allen III, in the weight room at De La Salle high school Tuesday, July 30, 2013, in Concord, Calif. After 12 dominant seasons and a Super Bowl title with the Cowboys and two final years closer to home with San Francisco, his Pro Football Hall of Fame enshrinement speech Saturday night will be on national television in front of thousands of people in Canton, Ohio. Plenty of family and friends will be there but not his mother, Vera Allen. The woman responsible for steering him away from gangs as a kid in the Los Angeles area died a year ago. Allen helps coach his son at the high school. (AP Photo/Eric Risberg)
Dallas Cowboys Hall of Famer Larry Allen smiles while watching his son and the varsity football team lift weights at De La Salle high school Tuesday, July 30, 2013, in Concord, Calif. After 12 dominant seasons and a Super Bowl title with the Cowboys and two final years closer to home with San Francisco, his Pro Football Hall of Fame enshrinement speech Saturday night will be on national television in front of thousands of people in Canton, Ohio. Plenty of family and friends will be there but not his mother, Vera Allen. The woman responsible for steering him away from gangs as a kid in the Los Angeles area died a year ago. Allen helps coach his son, Larry Allen III, at the high school. (AP Photo/Eric Risberg)
Dallas Cowboys Hall of Famer Larry Allen, right, looks on as his son, Larry Allen III, bottom, lifts weights at De La Salle high school Tuesday, July 30, 2013, in Concord, Calif. After 12 dominant seasons and a Super Bowl title with the Cowboys and two final years closer to home with San Francisco, his Pro Football Hall of Fame enshrinement speech Saturday night will be on national television in front of thousands of people in Canton, Ohio. Plenty of family and friends will be there but not his mother, Vera Allen. The woman responsible for steering him away from gangs as a kid in the Los Angeles area died a year ago. Allen helps coach his son on the football team at the high school. (AP Photo/Eric Risberg)
Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones and former Cowboys player Larry Allen before an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 19, 2014, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Brandon Wade)
Dallas Cowboys center Travis Frederick (72) talks with NFL Hall of Fame offensive lineman Larry Allen (right) during an NFL training camp practice on Saturday, July 26, 2014 at City of Oxnard Fields in Oxnard, California. (AP Photo/James D Smith)
Retired Dallas Cowboys offensive lineman Larry Allen before an NFL football game against the Washington Redskins on Monday, October 27, 2014 at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. The Redskins defeated the Cowboys in overtime, 20-17. (AP Photo/James D Smith)
Former Dallas Cowboys lineman Larry Allen watches pregame warmups before the NFL preseason week 1 football game against the Oakland Raiders on Friday, Aug. 9, 2013 in Oakland, Calif. The Raiders won the game 19-17. (AP Photo/Paul Spinelli)
FILE - In this Dec. 11, 2011 file photo, former Dallas Cowboys player Larry Allen is shown before an NFL football game against the New York Giants in Arlington, Texas. Allen will be inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame on Saturday, Aug. 3, 2013, in Canton, Ohio. (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez, File)
Former Dallas Cowboys Larry Allen (left), Charles Haley (center) and Drew Pearson (right) watch as their names on the stadium wall were revealed as they were all inducted into the club's Ring of Honor during an NFL football game against the Seattle Seahawks Sunday, November 6, 2011 at Cowboys Stadium in Arlington, Texas. The Cowboys won the game, 23-13. (AP Photo/James D Smith)
Former Dallas Cowboys offensive lineman Larry Allen's name on the stadium wall is revealed as Allen was inducted into the club's Ring of Honor during an NFL football game against the Seattle Seahawks Sunday, November 6, 2011 at Cowboys Stadium in Arlington, Texas. The Cowboys won the game, 23-13. (AP Photo/James D Smith)
Former Dallas Cowboys Charles Haley (center) and Larry Allen (to his right) watch as their names on the stadium wall were revealed as they were all inducted into the club's Ring of Honor during an NFL football game against the Seattle Seahawks Sunday, November 6, 2011 at Cowboys Stadium in Arlington, Texas. The Cowboys won the game, 23-13. (AP Photo/James D Smith)
From left, Former Dallas Cowboys player Larry Allen reacts during an induction ceremony into the Cowboys Ring of Honor as former players Emmitt Smith, Chuck Howley and Tony Dorsett look on at Halftime of an NFL football game against the Seattle Seahawks Sunday Nov. 6, 2011, in Arlington, Texas. Allen played on the team from 1994-2005. (AP Photo/Jim Cowsert)
Inductee Larry Allen talks with the Dallas Cowboys at the Pro Football Hall of Fame exhibition NFL football game between the Dallas Cowboys and the Miami Dolphins Sunday, Aug. 4, 2013, in Canton, Ohio. The Cowboys defeated the Dolphins, 24-20. (AP Photo/David Richard)
Hall of Fame offensive lineman Larry Allen looks on before an NFL football game between the Dallas Cowboys and Miami Dolphins on Sunday, August 4, 2013, at Fawcett Stadium in Canton, Ohio. The Cowboys defeated the Dolphins, 24-20, in the preseason Hall of Fame game. (AP Photo/Joe Robbins)
Former NFL football player Larry Allen, left, and Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones unveil the bust of Allen during the induction ceremony at the Pro Football Hall of Fame Saturday, Aug. 3, 2013, in Canton, Ohio. (AP Photo/Tony Dejak)
Dallas Cowboys offensive guard Larry Allen smiles with his bust during the Pro Football Hall of Fame enshrinement ceremonies on Saturday, August 3, 2013, at Fawcett Stadium in Canton, Ohio. (AP Photo/James D Smith)
Dallas Cowboys offensive guard Larry Allen smiles with his bust during the Pro Football Hall of Fame enshrinement ceremonies on Saturday, August 3, 2013, at Fawcett Stadium in Canton, Ohio. (AP Photo/James D Smith)
The Hall of Fame bust of former Dallas Cowboys player Larry Allen sits by the 50-yard-marker on the field during half time of an NFL football game between the Washington Redskins and Cowboys, Sunday, Oct. 13, 2013, in Arlington, Texas. Allen was honored during a half time ceremony by the Cowboys. (AP Photo/Sharon Ellman)
Dallas Cowboys
during an NFL football game against the Washington Redskins on Sunday, October 13, 2013, at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. The Cowboys defeated the Redskins, 31-16. (AP Photo/James D. Smith)
Dallas Cowboys offensive guard Larry Allen shows off his Pro Football Hall of Fame ring at halftime of an NFL football game against the Washington Redskins on Sunday, October 13, 2013, at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. The Cowboys defeated the Redskins, 31-16. (AP Photo/James D. Smith)
Dallas Cowboys offensive guard Larry Allen (left) rubs the top of his Pro Football Hall of Fame bust as owner Jerry Jones watches during an NFL football game against the Washington Redskins on Sunday, October 13, 2013, at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. The Cowboys defeated the Redskins, 31-16. (AP Photo/James D. Smith)
Dallas Cowboys Hall of Fame inductee Larry Allen acknowledges the crowd after accepting his Hall of Fame Ring from owner Jerry Jones at the halftime of an NFL football game against the Washington Redskins Sunday, Oct. 13, 2013, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/LM Otero)
Former Dallas Cowboys offensive lineman Larry Allen's name on the stadium wall is revealed as Allen was inducted into the club's Ring of Honor during an NFL football game against the Seattle Seahawks Sunday, November 6, 2011 at Cowboys Stadium in Arlington, Texas. The Cowboys won the game, 23-13. (AP Photo/James D Smith)
Dallas Cowboys offensive guard Larry Allen tries on his Pro Football Hall of Fame ring at halftime of an NFL football game against the Washington Redskins on Sunday, October 13, 2013, at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. The Cowboys defeated the Redskins, 31-16. (AP Photo/James D. Smith)
Former Dallas Cowboys offensive guard and tackle Larry Allen laughs during an interview after the announcement that he was selected to be a member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame 2013 Class of Enshrinees at the media center in the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center during the week of NFL Super Bowl XLVII on Saturday, Feb. 2, 2013 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (AP Photo/Paul Spinelli)
Dallas Cowboys offensive guard Larry Allen during an NFL football game against the Seattle Seahawks at Qwest Field in Seattle on Monday, August 22, 2005. (Kirby Lee via AP)
But for the most part, it was Allen's strength that stood out the most. Known for bench-pressing over 700 pounds during an offseason in the early 2000s, Allen dominated his opponents by his brute strength.
Also, he was rather versatile as well, showing that early in his career when he moved from guard to tackle. After three Pro Bowl selections from 1995-97 at guard, Allen moved to tackle for the 1998 season and also earned Pro Bowl and All-Pro honors that year. He eventually moved back to guard, where is arguably one of the greatest to ever play the position.
Allen was one of seven guards named to the NFL's Top 100 players list that came out in 2019.
