CANTON, Ohio (AP) — Considered the NFL’s strongest man in his heyday, offensive lineman Larry Allen has been inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
The 6-foot-3, 325-pound tackle and guard out of Sonoma State went from small college football to instant pro stardom with Dallas, playing every offensive line position except center. Opponents marveled at his strength and power — he once bench-pressed 700 pounds — but Allen also was a solid pass protector with nimble feet.
One of the key blockers as Emmitt Smith became the NFL’s career rushing leader, Allen made six All-Pro squads and 11 Pro Bowls in his 14 seasons, the final two with San Francisco. He won the Super Bowl in the 1995 season.
Voted into the Hall of Fame in his first year of eligibility, Allen was presented by Cowboys owner Jerry Jones, who made him a second-round pick in the 1994 draft.
