Emmitt Smith fights back tears after learning Cowboys teammate Larry Allen died: ‘My heart is just broken’

The Dallas Cowboys and their fans are mourning the death of Hall of Fame lineman Larry Allen at age 52 while vacationing in Mexico with his family.

The team announced the death of one of its greatest former players, and fellow Hall of Famer Emmitt Smith spoke very emotionally about Allen.

“I’m sitting in my backyard reminiscing about Larry Allen, one of the best offensive linemen I ever played with,” Smith said, adding that his daughter called to tell him the sad news.

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“I’m at a loss for words right now.”

Allen, an 11-time Pro Bowl selection and six-time All-Pro offensive lineman, helped Smith immensely from the moment he was drafted by Dallas as a second-round pick in the 1994 NFL Draft.

He played on the Cowboys line for all but two seasons of his career (1994-2005), spending much of those years blocking for Smith, who anchored Dallas’ offense.

Watch Smith’s video on X

“Really good guy,” Smith said, choking back emotion. “Great player, great person. … It’s just heartbreaking. I know life is so fleeting and we’re only here for a moment. Make the most of every moment and don’t take people for granted.”

As expected, Allen and Smith were very close with each other on and off the field, and Smith not only talked about what a great football player Allen was, but more importantly, the person he knew.

“One thing I know about Larry Allen is he had a big heart and lived life to the fullest,” Smith said. “He was a man of few words, but a beast on the football field. He will be sorely missed.”

“My heartfelt condolences to his family. My heart is broken.”

Smith wasn’t the only former Cowboys teammate shocked to hear the news: His quarterback, Troy Aikman, posted on X.

“I just received the heartbreaking news of the passing of my beloved teammate Larry Allen,” Aikman wrote. “He was a Hall of Fame offensive lineman who dominated opponents no matter what position he played. Off the field, he was a gentle giant who loved his family. My heartfelt condolences to LA.”

Emmitt Smith (22) and Larry Allen (76) (Jerry Holt/Star Tribune via Getty Images/File)

NFL legend Larry Allen passes away suddenly at age 52

The Cowboys announced Allen’s death early Monday morning.

“It is with great sadness that the Dallas Cowboys announce that Cowboys legend, Super Bowl winner, Cowboys Ring of Honor member and Pro Football Hall of Famer Larry Allen passed away unexpectedly Sunday while vacationing in Mexico with his family,” the team announced.

“Larry was one of the most respected and accomplished offensive linemen in NFL history, known for his tremendous athleticism and incredible strength. His versatility and reliability were also hallmarks of his career. Through it all, he remained a great teammate, competitor and inspiration to so many other players who defined what it means to be a winner,” the team continued in a statement.

“He was deeply loved and cherished by his wife, Janelle, whom he called his heart and soul, his daughters Jayla and Lorianna, and his son Larry III.”

“The Jones family and Cowboys offer their deepest condolences and prayers to the Allen family and grieve with the many friends and Cowboys teammates who loved Larry,” the statement read.

Allen won a Super Bowl with the Cowboys in 1995 and is widely regarded as one of the greatest interior linemen of all time.

Former NFL player Emmitt Smith attends the Augustana Vikings game against the Duke Blue Devils at Cameron Indoor Stadium in Durham, North Carolina on November 4, 2016. (Lance King/Getty Images)

Upon his death, Smith offered some advice to all who heard the news and watched him reflect in real time.

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“All I can say is live life to the fullest that you can, love those closest to you and try to love those not close to you as much as you can,” Smith said.

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