WATCH: Lions Coach Dan Campbell Gives Heartfelt Mention To Departed Cowboys Teammate, Larry Allen
Detroit Lions coach Dan Campbell gave a heartfelt mention to former Dallas Cowboys guard Larry Allen — an ex-teammate of Campbell. As reported on OutKick, Allen — a Hall of Fame offensive lineman — died suddenly during a trip with his family to Mexico on Sunday. He was 52.
Dan Campbell opened up his media session on Tuesday with a tribute to Allen. The coach, known for his emotional talks before his team and the media, delivered another heartfelt moment, this time for his departed teammate.
ST. LOUIS, MO - SEPTEMBER 21: NFL Hall of Famer, Larry Allen watches from the sidelines during a game between the St. Louis Rams and the Dallas Cowboys at the Edward Jones Dome on September 21, 2014 in St. Louis, Missouri. (Photo by Michael B. Thomas/Getty Images)
"I really need to start with Larry Allen," Campbell said. "Larry was a teammate of mine for three years at Dallas. Man, I’m just like everybody. Thoughts and prayers go out to his family."
Campbell and Allen played as teammates in Dallas from 2003 to 2005.
The Dallas Cowboys posted the news of the 11-time Pro Bowler's passing. Retired NFL players and more in the football community honored Allen as a stalwart on the Cowboys' offensive line.
"Anybody that was around Larry will tell you, what an unbelievable dude he was," Campbell added. "What an unbelievable human being, unbelievable teammate. And then his play on the field speaks for itself. He was a rare, rare player. I just can’t believe it. Anyway, I’m really thinking about his family, but what an outstanding human being L.A. was."
Lions head coach Dan Campbell. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)
Dallas' statement commemorating Allen — who played with the Cowboys for 12 seasons — read:
"Larry, known for his great athleticism and incredible strength, was one of the most respected, accomplished offensive linemen to ever play in the NFL. His versatility and dependability were also signature parts of his career. Through that, he continued to serve as inspiration for many other players, defining what it meant to be a great teammate, competitor and winner.
"He was deeply loved and cared for by his wife, Janelle — whom he referred to as his heart and soul — his daughters Jayla and Loriana 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 Cowboys teammates that also loved Larry."
PITTSBURGH, PA - AUGUST 21: Offensive lineman Larry Allen #73 of the Dallas Cowboys looks on from the sideline during a preseason game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Heinz Field on August 21, 2003 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The Steelers defeated the Cowboys 15-14. (Photo by George Gojkovich/Getty Images)
Rest in Peace
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