Larry Allen A Big man in the Trenches

November 27, 1971, in Los Angeles, California.  

College Career

Larry Allen's path to major college football was unconventional. Academically ineligible for Division I programs, he began his college career at Butte College, a junior college in Oroville, California, from 1989 to 1990. During his two seasons with the Roadrunners, the team achieved a remarkable 20-2 record, securing two Golden Valley Conference championships. Allen's dominant play earned him All-Conference and All-State honors in both years, and he was recognized as a JUCO All-American after his sophomore season. Following a year away from school, Allen enrolled at Sonoma State University, a Division II school in Rohnert Park, California, where he played from 1992 to 1993. In his two seasons with the Cossacks, he allowed only one sack and was a two-time All-American, also earning Northern California Athletic Conference Offensive Player of the Year in his senior season – a rare feat for a lineman.  

Road to the Pro Game

Despite his small-school background and a rotator cuff injury, Larry Allen's immense talent was undeniable. The Dallas Cowboys selected him in the second round (46th overall) of the 1994 NFL Draft, making him the first and only player ever drafted from Sonoma State. Initially rotating between guard and tackle as a rookie, Allen quickly established himself as a dominant force on the offensive line. His rare combination of size, strength, and surprising speed made him a matchup nightmare for opposing defensive linemen.  

Football Legacy

Larry Allen is widely considered one of the most physically gifted and dominant offensive linemen in NFL history. Capable of playing all offensive line positions except center at an elite level, he spent the majority of his career at guard for the Dallas Cowboys. His incredible strength, often cited as legendary (reportedly bench-pressing over 700 pounds), allowed him to overpower defenders, while his athleticism enabled him to chase down opponents downfield, famously exemplified by his tackle of a Saints linebacker on an interception return. Allen's versatility, dependability, and sheer will made him a cornerstone of the Cowboys' offense for over a decade and earned him a first-ballot induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2013.  

Accolades, Awards, and Career Stats:

Super Bowl Champion (XXX)
6-time First-team All-Pro (1996-2001)  
Second-team All-Pro (1995)  
11-time Pro Bowl selection (1995-2001, 2003-2006)  
PFWA All-Rookie Team (1994)  
NFL 1990s All-Decade Team
NFL 2000s All-Decade Team
NFL 100th Anniversary All-Time Team
Dallas Cowboys Ring of Honor  
Played 14 seasons in the NFL (Dallas Cowboys, San Francisco 49ers)
Games Played: 203
Games Started: 197
Fumble Recoveries: 4

Sources and related content
https://www.tvazteca.com/aztecadeportes/muere-larry-allen-liniero-ofensivo-del-salon-la-fama-a-los-52-anos-mientras-estaba-vacaciones-mexico-dallas-cowboys
https://collegefootballnetwork.com/larry-allen-college-career/