Deion Sanders’ week took a somber turn with the sudden passing of his former teammate, Dallas Cowboys legend Larry Allen. The 52-year-old former offensive lineman, Allen, died tragically while vacationing in Mexico. The death, the cause of which is yet to be revealed, was first broken by the Cowboys team officially. 

Allen was a cornerstone of the Cowboys’ golden era. He formed a dynasty under Jerry Jones’ ownership alongside ex-QB Troy Aikman and ex-RB Emmitt Smith. Their offensive dominance was further solidified by the arrival of Deion Sanders as a free agent, and the team even managed to grab a Super Bowl win. 

Taking to his X handle, Deion Sanders expressed heartfelt condolences: “Praying for family and loved ones of @larryallen73 Larry Allen. May Peace locate you all during this turbulent time. Let’s remember the best of times in Jesus name Amen.”

Drafted a year before Sanders, Allen’s rookie season was a glimpse of his future greatness. A memorable play saw him chase down a New Orleans linebacker, preventing a touchdown with a game-saving tackle. Eventually, all his hard work and amazing plays earned him a spot in the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2013.

In their official statement, even the Cowboys called him “the most respected, accomplished offensive lineman to ever play in the NFL.” Looks like the whole NFL felt the same way, with many players sharing their grief online.

Cowboys teammates join Deion Sanders in expressing their grief

Allen’s former teammates, Emmitt Smith and Troy Aikman, expressed their grief, too. A tearful Smith shared a video saying, “It just breaks my heart.” Remembering Allen’s on-field dominance, Aikman posted: “He was a Hall of Fame lineman who shut down opponents no matter their position. Off the field, he was a gentle giant who loved his family.” True to Aikman’s words, Allen excelled at both tackle and guard, creating running lanes for Deion Sanders and the Cowboys offense.

Even beyond Dallas, the NFL community mourned as former quarterback Robert Griffin III posted: “Prayers up for the family of Larry Allen who passed away on Sunday at 52. He was a massive man who could hit 43 reps on 225 like it was NOTHING and could RUN YOU DOWN even at more than 325 lbs. He is a Hall of Famer to the sports world, but so much more to his loved ones. RIP.”

These heartfelt tributes from across the NFL are just a sample of Larry Allen’s impact on the game and the legend he was.