Cowboys legend Larry Allen dies at age 52: Where Hall of Fame lineman ranks among franchise’s all-time greats

No one loved offensive line play more than John Madden, the former Hall of Fame coach and legendary NFL broadcaster who once paid Larry Allen the highest compliment.

Madden, who was called up for a 1999 game between the Cowboys and Colts, was openly amazed by the performance of Allen, a Hall of Fame offensive guard. who died Domingo at age 52 while on vacation with his family, the Cowboys announced Monday.

“If I ever went back to coaching, I would never do it, but if I could take one guy with me, it would be the old number 73 in white,” he said. Madden said about Allen.

It was easy to see why Madden was so fond of Allen, a strong player who helped the Cowboys to their third and final victory. Super Bowl during the 1990s. In fact, it was Allen’s crushing block on Steelers All-Pro linebacker Greg Lloyd during the season’s opening campaign. Super Bowl XXX who released running back Emmitt Smith for a 23-yard gain. The long run helped set up the game’s first score, as the Cowboys became the first team to win three Super Bowls in a four-year span.

Allen is an all-time great and one of the greatest players to ever play for the Cowboys. Here’s a look at the company Allen keeps.

*Seasons played in Dallas in parentheses

Honorable mention: Mel Renfro, CB (1964-77)

The first of many dominant Cowboys defenders, Renfro’s 52 career picks are still the most in franchise history. A 10-time Pro Bowler, Renfro won two Super Bowls as a member of the Cowboys’ vaunted doomsday defense during the 1970s.

10. Jason Witten, TE (2003-17, 2019)

A fan favorite during his years with the Cowboys, Witten – an 11-time Pro Bowler and two-time All-Pro – is the franchise’s career leader in receptions (1,215) and receiving yards (12,977). Witten, who will be eligible for the Hall of Fame in 2026, holds the unofficial title of the greatest tight end in Cowboys history and one of the franchise’s best players without a Super Bowl ring.

If you said Martin was the Cowboys’ best player this century, it would be hard to argue with that. Martin’s seven All-Pro nods are tied for most in franchise history, while his nine Pro Bowl selections are tied for second-most in franchise annals. Martin’s pass protection over the years has provided clear lines of sight for Tony Romo and Dak Prescott. He also played a key role in leading Ezekiel Elliott NFL in the race in 2014 and 2016.

8. Tony Dorsett, RB (1977-87)

Dorsett was the missing piece of the Cowboys’ championship puzzle. The speedy running back helped lead the Cowboys to victory in Super Bowl XII as a rookie, while also becoming the first player to win the Heisman Trophy, a national title and a Super Bowl. Dorsett retired as the Cowboys’ all-time leading rusher and still owns the longest play (a 99-yard touchdown run) in franchise history.

7. Larry Allen, OL (1994-2005)

Among all the Cowboys stars of the 1990s, Allen is the most decorated when it comes to Pro Bowls and All-Pros. His total of 10 Pro Bowl nods is the third-most of any player in franchise history and two more than his closest teammate. Allen’s six All-Pro nods are the fourth-most in team annals.

6. Randy White, DT (1975-88)

Nicknamed “The Manster”, White wreaked havoc on opposing defenses during his 14-year career. His greatest moment came in Super Bowl XII, when he shared the game’s MVP honors with linebacker Harvey Martin. White’s seven All-Pro nods are tied for the most in franchise history.

5. Michal Irvin, WR (1988-99)

Considered the heart and soul of the 1990s Cowboys, Irvin was a physical and intimidating player who more than lived up to his nickname “Playmaker.” A performer throughout the 1990s, Irvin made five consecutive Pro Bowls and was a key player in each of Dallas’ three Super Bowl victories during that span. His two touchdowns in Super Bowl XXVII contributed to the third-largest victory in Super Bowl history.

4. Troy Aikman, QB (1989-2000)

Aikman’s mechanical efficiency was a big reason why the 1990s Cowboys offense is in the conversation as arguably the greatest in pro football history. The first quarterback to win 90 games in a single decade, Aikman went 11-4 in the postseason as the Cowboys’ starting quarterback. He earned Super Bowl XXVII MVP honors after destroying the Bills’ defense with 273 yards and four touchdowns on 22-of-30 passing.

3. Emmitt Smith, RB (1990-02)

If Irvin was the heart and soul, then Smith was the engine that powered the Cowboys’ prolific offense. In 1992, Smith became the first sprint champion to also win the Super Bowl. A decade later, he entered the history books by becoming the NFL’s all-time rushing leader. Smith, who in 1993 was named league and Super Bowl MVP, is also the career Super Bowl leader.

2. Bob Lilly, DT (1961-74)

“Mr. Cowboy” is also arguably the greatest defensive tackle in NFL history. In fact, Aaron Donald is the only defensive tackle ranked ahead of Lilly in the ProFootballReference.com Hall of Fame Monitor.

The Cowboys’ first great player, Lilly helped Dallas rise from an obscure franchise to one of the best in the NFL. An 11-time Pro Bowler and seven-time All-Pro, Lilly made history by helping the Cowboys win their first of five Super Bowls. In Super Bowl VI, her sack of Dolphins quarterback Bob Griese, resulting in a 29-yard loss, remains the largest loss of yardage on a single play in Super Bowl history.

1. Roger Staubach, QB (1969-79)

No surprises here. Arguably the most famous Cowboy of all, “Captain America” led America’s team to four Super Bowls during the 1970s. The Cowboys won two of the games, largely on the right hand of Staubach, who earned MVP honors during the first victory of Dallas in the Super Bowl, a 24-3 victory over a Dolphins team that would go on to win the next two Super Bowls.

A member of the NFL’s 100th Anniversary Team, Staubach’s impact on the Cowboys was felt immediately after being named the team’s starter in 1971. The Cowboys did not lose a game that season after Tom Landry named Staubach the starter over veteran Craig Morton. Four years later, Staubach threw the first “Hail Mary” pass that paved the way for the Cowboys’ third trip to the Super Bowl.