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Cowboys offseason countdown: 99 facts until the regular season (Day 73)

June 27, 2024
Dallas Cowboys vs San Francisco 49ers - September 25, 2005
Photo by Peter Brouillet/NFLPhotoLibrary

We count down the days to kickoff giving you an interesting fact about each number. Today is number 73.

We are at day 73 of our 99 day countdown until the regular season. Here is your daily fact associated with number 73.

Dez Bryant is the current Dallas Cowboys franchise record holder in receiving touchdowns, with 73. But the number 73 was also worn by the great, Larry Allen.

Dallas Cowboys v Pittsburgh Steelers

Larry Christopher Allen Jr, born November 27, 1971 was selected by the Cowboys in the second round of the 1994 NFL Draft.

Allen found himself thrust into a starting position during his rookie season due to unfortunate circumstances. Mark Tuinei’s back injury forced Allen to step in as the left tackle, and later on, he had to fill in as the right tackle when Erik Williams was injured in a car accident. The constant switching proved to be a challenge for Allen, but he persevered and managed to shine despite occasional difficulties.

In 1995, Allen received a Pro Bowl nod and played a key role in an offensive line that supported Emmitt Smith in setting a franchise record of 1,773 rushing yards and an NFL record of 25 rushing touchdowns. Allen also made his first start in a Super Bowl and secured his sole Super Bowl ring when the Cowboys triumphed over the Pittsburgh Steelers 27-17 in Super Bowl XXX.

In 1996, the Dallas offensive line showcased their dominance by surrendering a mere 19 sacks, leading the league. With Allen at the helm for the third consecutive season, Emmitt Smith continued his remarkable performance by surpassing 1,200 rushing yards and achieving 100 rushing yards in four separate games.

Allen was let go by the Dallas Cowboys in March, 2006, following his 12-year tenure with the team. He went on to play for the San Francisco 49ers for two seasons before returning to the Cowboys in 2009 to sign a one-day contract and retire with the team.

During his 12 seasons with the Cowboys, Allen achieved ten Pro Bowl selections and six first-team All-Pro honors. Allen’s legacy will be defined by his infectious smile on the sidelines, his steadfast dedication to the team, the memorable bench press incident, and his exceptional mobility despite his imposing stature.

Allen was honored with induction into the Dallas Cowboys Ring of Honor in 2011, and his legacy was further immortalized in 2013 when he was enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

Unfortunately, 2024 brought the heartbreaking news of Allen’s passing while he was enjoying a vacation with his family in Mexico. At the age of 52, his untimely departure has left a void that will be deeply felt by his loved ones, teammates, and devoted fans.

Today’s countdown is dedicated to an exceptional human, Larry Allen.

Cowboys Training Camp, Oxnard, 25th July (28 days to go).


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