By Darin 
When you talk about sheer power and athleticism on an NFL offensive line, one name stands above the rest: Larry Allen. From a Division II school to a dominant presence on the Dallas Cowboys’ line, Allen’s journey is one of legendary versatility, bone-jarring strength, and an unbreakable will to win.
Career
November 27, 1971 – Larry Allen began his college football career at Butte Junior College in Oroville, California, before transferring to Sonoma State, a Division II school near San Francisco, according to his profootballhof.com bio.
The stock was high enough that the Dallas Cowboys selected Larry in the 1994 NFL Draft with their second-round pick, number 46 overall. Larry was versatile, playing every position on the Cowboys’ line in his 12 seasons with the team, except center.
Larry played 14 seasons overall in the NFL, including a couple in San Francisco, and in that span, he played in 11 Pro Bowls and had seven straight All-Pro Seasons. The Pro Football Hall of Fame enshrined Larry Allen in 2013.
Football Accolades and Accomplishments
- NFL Draft: Second-round pick (46th overall) by the Dallas Cowboys in the 1994 NFL Draft.
- College Career: Played at Butte Junior College before transferring to Sonoma State (Division II).
- NFL Tenure: Played 14 seasons in the NFL, including 12 with the Dallas Cowboys and 2 with the San Francisco 49ers.
- Versatility: Played every position on the offensive line for the Cowboys except center.
- Pro Bowl Selections: Selected to the Pro Bowl 11 times.
- All-Pro Honors: Named All-Pro for seven consecutive seasons.
- Pro Football Hall of Fame: Enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2013.
Conclusion
Larry Allen wasn’t just a great guard; he was a foundation of strength for two franchises and a nightmare for opposing defensive lines. His career stands as a testament to the power of pure athleticism and an ironman commitment to versatility. From a small-school prospect to an 11-time Pro Bowler, Larry Allen’s place among the game’s all-time greats is permanently sealed in Canton.