Larry Allen (2001) (2024)

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Nobody in th history of Sonoma State Athletics has so thoroughly dominated the competition the way Larry Allen did during the 1992 and 1993 football seasons.

A two-time Kodak All-America and First Team Associated Press All-America pick, and a unanimous selection on numerous other All-America teams, Larry was such a dominating presence on the offensive line for the Cossacks that he was actually named the Northern California Athletic Conference Offensive Player of the Year as a senior. Absolutely unheard of for a player that wasn't a quarterback, running back or wide receiver.

In two years at Sonoma State, Larry left an indelible mark on everyone who saw him play...and a more permanent mark on those who played against him. In the Cossacks' 1992 upset of #6-ranked Portland State, Larry led running back Johnny Mack on a sweep around the left side. After knocking away one of the Vikings defensive lineman, Larry set his sights on a PSU cornerback who immediately wished he was anywhere else at the time. He got his wish soon enough as Larry literally launched him into the air sending him to spots unknown. The videotape of this play was shown repeatedly on ESPN as the 1994 NFL draft approached.

In April of 1994, Larry became the first and only Sonoma State football player drafted into the NFL when the Dallas Cowboys made him their second round pick, and the 46th player chosen overall. Said ESPN draft analyst Mel Kiper at the time, "Allen will step up and be a great player."

Larry has certianly proven Kiper right. An 11-time Pro Bowl selection, Allen played 12 seasons with the Cowboys and earned a Super Bowl ring with the team after a 27-17 win over the Pittsburgh Steelers in Super Bowl XXX. He played his final two seasons with the San Francisco 49ers.