Larry Allen, the Pro Football Hall of Famer who played guard for the Dallas Cowboys, died Sunday at the age of 52.
The Cowboys organization announced Allen’s death on X, formerly Twitter. The post said he died suddenly while on vacation with his family in Mexico.
“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,” according to the team statement.
According to ESPN, Allen was a six-time First-Team All-Pro, was named to the Pro Bowl 11 times and was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2013.
He played for the Cowboys from 1994-2005 and was a member of the team that won the Super Bowl in 1995. His last two seasons in the NFL were with the San Francisco 49ers.
Those who he protected on the field — mainly quarterback Troy Aikman and running back Emmitt Smith — expressed their disbelief after hearing the news Monday.
“Just received the heartbreaking news of the passing of our beloved teammate Larry Allen. He was a HOF offensive lineman that dominated opponents regardless of the position played. Off the field, he was a gentle giant that loved his family. Rest in Peace LA,” Aikman posted to X.
Smith said in a video on Instagram that the news”just breaks my heart.”
“I’m at a loss of words right now. Such a good dude, great player, super person,” Smith said. “The one thing about Larry Allen, I know. He had a big heart and he lived life to the fullest. A man of very few words but on the football field was a beast. And [he] will be sorely missed.”
Allen was also a protector off the field.
He hailed from Compton, California and was once stabbed 12 times while trying to protecting of his brothers. He attended four different high schools before enrolling in Butte College. He later went to Sonoma State where caught the eye of the Cowboy organization, which took him with the 46th pick.
He was incredibly strong and once bench-pressed 700 pounds.
A memorial service arrangements will be announced in the near future the team said.
Many others took to X to honor the NFL great.
