Dallas Cowboys legend and Super Bowl winner Larry Allen dies suddenly aged 52 while on vacation with his family in Mexico

Legendary Dallas Cowboys guard and Super Bowl winner Larry Allen has died suddenly at the age of 52 while vacationing with his family in Mexico.

Allen played fourteen seasons in the NFL after being drafted in 1994, primarily with the Dallas Cowboys before signing with the San Francisco 49ers for the final two seasons of his career.

He played in Super Bowl XXX in 1996, helping the Cowboys beat the Pittsburgh Steelers 27-17 in Arizona.

Allen earned 10 Pro Bowl selections during his career – the most of any offensive player in Cowboys history – and was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2013.

Allen is survived by his wife Janelle, daughters Jayla and Lariana and son Larry III.

Allen is survived by his wife Janelle, daughters Jayla and Lariana and son Larry III

The Dallas Cowboys said in a statement: “We are deeply saddened to share that Cowboys legend, Super Bowl champion, Cowboys Ring of Honor member and Pro Football Hall of Famer Larry Allen passed away suddenly on Sunday while on vacation in Mexico with his family.

“Known for his great athleticism and incredible strength, Larry was one of the most respected, accomplished offensive linemen to ever play in the NFL.

‘His versatility and reliability were also hallmarks of his career. As a result, he continued to serve as an inspiration to many other players and defined what it meant to be a great teammate, competitor and winner.

“He was deeply loved and cared for by his wife Janelle – whom he called his heart and soul – his daughters Jayla and Lariana and son Larry III.

“The Jones family and the Cowboys extend their deepest condolences, thoughts and prayers to the Allen family and grieve along with the many other friends and teammates of the Cowboys who also loved Larry.

“Arrangements and details for the memorial service will be announced in the near future.”

Allen (right) played in Super Bowl XXX when the Cowboys defeated the Pittsburgh Steelers 27-17

Allen’s NFL career is even more remarkable when you consider his traumatic childhood

Allen’s impressive NFL career is even more remarkable when you consider his traumatic childhood.

While growing up in Compton, he contracted meningitis and nearly died when he was just six weeks old.

When he was nine, Allen was stabbed twelve times in the head and shoulder by a young neighbor while protecting his brother.

The former Sonoma State lineman once bench-pressed 700 pounds as stunned teammates watched, then heckled him.

Allen was considered one of the best and most physically dominant guards in the NFL

The Cowboys were coming off back-to-back Super Bowl victories when they drafted Allen. He was surrounded by Pro Bowl offensive linemen, but it didn’t take long for him to be noticed, eventually making 11 Pro Bowls of his own.

Late in his rookie season, Allen saved a touchdown by beating Darion Conner when it looked like the New Orleans linebacker had only Troy Aikman to beat on the sideline. Most of the rest of his career was defined by power: first as a tackle, where the Cowboys thought he would be a mainstay, and eventually as a guard.

“The National Football League is filled with gifted athletes, but few have combined the size, raw power, speed and agility of Larry Allen,” the Hall of Fame said in a statement. “What he was able to do as an offensive lineman often defied logic and understanding.”

After his retirement, Allen retired to a quiet life in Northern California with his wife and three children.