Larry Allen: A Life In Football

Larry Allen’s Legacy: What Was His Net Worth?

Larry Allen was more than just a football player—he was a legend who left an indelible mark on the NFL. At the time of his passing in 2024, Larry had amassed a net worth of $16 million. Over the course of his 14-year career, Larry played for two iconic teams: the Dallas Cowboys and the San Francisco 49ers. He started his journey with the Cowboys in 1994 and spent 12 seasons there before joining the 49ers in 2006. His NFL career wasn’t just about longevity; it was about excellence. Larry earned a staggering $40 million in salary during his time in the league. One of his crowning achievements came in 1996 when he helped the Cowboys secure a Super Bowl victory in Super Bowl XXX against the Pittsburgh Steelers. To top it all off, Larry was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2013, cementing his status as one of the greatest offensive linemen in NFL history. Unfortunately, Larry’s life was cut tragically short when he passed away at the age of 52 in 2024.

Early Life: A Journey from Struggles to Stardom

Larry Christopher Allen Jr. was born on November 27, 1971, in Los Angeles, California. His childhood wasn’t easy. Growing up in Compton, Larry faced challenges that could have derailed many others. At just six weeks old, he battled meningitis and nearly lost his life. If that wasn’t enough, at the age of 10, Larry was stabbed 12 times in the head, shoulder, and neck by a neighbor while trying to protect his brother. Despite these setbacks, Larry’s resilience shone through. His education was similarly turbulent, attending a different school each year of high school. However, his passion for football never wavered. As a freshman at Centennial High School in Compton, Larry earned a letter in football. Though he didn’t graduate from high school, his talent was undeniable.

College Career: Building a Foundation for Greatness

Larry’s path to the NFL wasn’t a straightforward one. Due to his academic struggles in high school, he wasn’t eligible to play Division I football immediately after graduation. Instead, he enrolled at Butte College in Oroville, California, where he honed his skills. During his two years there, Larry earned numerous accolades, including All-Conference and All-State honors. His sophomore year, he was recognized as a J.C. All-American, showcasing his potential to the world. After Butte, Larry took a gap year, but his determination never faltered. He eventually enrolled at Sonoma State University, a Division II school, where he played his final two years of college football. His performances were so impressive that he earned a spot in both the East-West Shrine Game and the Senior Bowl, setting the stage for his future in the NFL.

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Professional Career: Dominating the Gridiron

In 1994, Larry Allen’s life changed forever when the Dallas Cowboys selected him in the second round of the NFL Draft. He became the first player ever drafted from Sonoma State University, and his selection marked the highest offensive lineman pick by the Cowboys since Howard Richards in 1981. Larry wasted no time making an impact. Just four games into his rookie season, he was named a starter—a testament to his exceptional talent. Over the next 12 seasons, Larry became a cornerstone of the Cowboys’ offensive line. He earned a Super Bowl ring in Super Bowl XXX, received all-rookie honors, and was selected for the Pro Bowl seven times consecutively. In 2006, Larry moved to the San Francisco 49ers, where he switched his jersey number from 73 to 71. Despite the change, his dominance continued, earning him a spot in his 11th Pro Bowl in his first year with the team. On August 29, 2009, the Cowboys signed Larry to a one-day contract so he could retire as a Cowboy. The following day, they officially placed him on the retired list. Larry’s 11 Pro Bowl selections remain the most for any offensive player in Dallas Cowboys history.

Physically, Larry was a force of nature. Standing at 6 ft 3 in and weighing 325 pounds, he was one of the strongest men to ever step onto an NFL field. At his peak, he could bench press over 700 pounds, a testament to his unmatched strength and dedication.

Real Estate: A Home Fit for a Legend

In 2004, Larry purchased a stunning mansion in Danville, California, for $4.595 million. This 10,000-square-foot property became his sanctuary after retirement. At one point, Larry listed the home for $7.5 million, but he eventually sold it for $4 million in February 2020. If you’re curious, here’s a video tour of the incredible estate:

Personal Life: Family and Legacy

After hanging up his cleats, Larry settled down in Danville, California, with his wife, Janelle. Together, they raised three children. His son, Larry Allen III, followed in his father’s footsteps, playing guard for the Harvard Crimson football team before signing with the Dallas Cowboys in 2019. Larry’s nephew, Dakarai Allen, also made waves in sports, becoming a professional basketball player in the NBA G League. Tragically, Larry’s life came to an unexpected end on June 2, 2024, while he was on vacation with his family in Mexico. At just 52 years old, Larry’s passing left the football world mourning the loss of a true icon. The cause of his death remains unknown.