Cowboys legend Emmitt Smith’s emotional reaction to Larry Allen’s death

The Dallas Cowboys community was hit with tragic news on Monday. Legendary offensive lineman Larry Allen suddenly passed away while on vacation in Mexico at just 52 years old. Fellow Cowboys legend Emmitt Smith emotionally reflected on Allen’s passing in a heartfelt social media message.

“I’m sitting on my back patio reflecting on one of the best offensive linemen I’ve ever played with. I’m at a loss of words right now, such a good dude,” a teary-eyed Smith said in a video on X, per Ari Meirov. “Great player, super person…it just breaks my heart. I know life is very fragile, and we’re only here for a moment. We need to make the best of every moment and not take people for granted.”

“All I can say is live life to the fullest that you can. Love those who are closest to you. Try to love those who are not near you as best as you can. Cut out all the bickering that separates people. Some of those things are very minor in comparison to a human’s life. One thing about Larry I know, he had a big heart, and he lived life to the fullest,” Smith added.

Smith said Allen was a “man of very few words,” but was a “beast” on the football field. The former Cowboys running back gave his thoughts and prayers to Allen’s family and reiterated the message for society to be kind to those around him.

Emmitt Smith and Larry Allen were teammates from 1994 to 2002, where they achieved great success together. Smith had one of his best seasons alongside Allen in 1995, where he rushed for a career-high 1,773 yards and 25 touchdowns.

Meanwhile, Allen left a lasting legacy of his own.

Reflecting on Larry Allen’s time with the Cowboys 

Allen is widely regarded as one of the best offensive linemen in NFL history. The Cowboys selected the Sonoma State product in the second round of the 1994 NFL Draft. He began his career as a right tackle for Dallas but later moved to right guard in his second season, where he saw tremendous success. Allen helped lead the Cowboys to a Super Bowl 30 victory in 1996.

After three seasons at guard, the Cowboys shifted Allen to left tackle, the position he played for the rest of his career. Allen ended up playing 14 seasons in the NFL, with 12 being in Dallas. His last two years came with the San Francisco 49ers.

The Los Angeles native made 11 trips to the Pro Bowl and earned six consecutive First-Team All-Pro selections between 1996 and 2001. Moreover, many consider Allen as one of the strongest players in the history of the sport. In addition to commanding his defensive matchups, Allen reportedly once benched pressed 700 pounds.

Allen saw tremendous success during his professional tenure and his legacy will continue to impact countless members of the sports community. Emmit Smith’s message in light of Allen’s passing is a stark reminder of how precious life can be. Larry Allen lived life to the fullest, and others should be inspired to do the same.