Dallas Cowboys: 30 greatest players in franchise history
(1994-2005). Larry Allen. 4. player. 123. . Offensive Lineman
The importance of offensive lineman is usually lost on a list like this. With flashier names peppering the top ten, many seem to dismiss the importance of the big uglies up front. Much like how many view current Cowboys’ right guard Zack Martin as the team’s best overall player today, some believe Larry Allen is the most talented player ever to don The Star.
When Allen was selected in the second round of the 1994 NFL Draft out of little-known Sonoma State, a Division II college, it was the highest an offensive lineman had been drafted by the Cowboys in 13 years.
But that draft investment paid off, as the versatile Allen was able to play every position along the Cowboys offensive line except for center. Despite his massive 6-foot-3, 325-pound frame, Larry was an outstanding athlete. From running down New Orleans Saints linebacker Darion Conner after an interception to bench pressing 700 pounds, Allen’s exploits are legendary.
During his 14-year career, Allen earned 11 Pro Bowl nominations and seven-straight first-team All-Pro elections. He was also a member of the Cowboys during their Super Bowl XXX victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers following the 1995 season.
The NFL named Larry Allen to their All-Decade Teams for both the 1990’s and the 2000’s. In 2011, Allen was named to the Cowboys Ring of Honor. And he was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame two years later.