Years of service earn 49ers’ Allen a pass from OTAs

By Danny Dabiri  |   Thursday, June 07, 2007  |  Comments( 18 )

San Francisco 49ers
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Since entering the league out of Sonoma State in 1994, Larry Allen has established himself as the premier offensive lineman of his generation. Picked in the second round by the Dallas Cowboys, Allen was the 10th offensive lineman selected in that year's draft. In 12 seasons with Dallas, he made it to 10 Pro Bowls and was honored as a member of the 1990s All-Decade team.

He signed with the San Francisco 49ers in 2006 after being released by the Cowboys. Adding a Hall of Fame-caliber player to the squad paid off when Allen was named to his 11th Pro Bowl despite missing five games because of an MCL injury.

His years of premium service have garnered Allen a heightened level of respect from his coaches and teammates. When the 49ers kicked off their voluntary OTAs (organized team activities) earlier this spring, Allen was the only player not in attendance. Head coach Mike Nolan excused him for personal reasons. Oftentimes, players who miss such team activities are usually labeled "me-first" individuals who put themselves above the team.

It's clear that Allen doesn't fall into that category, however.

When Nolan was asked about Allen's absence, he wasn't exactly concerned.

"He is working out, staying in shape and all of that. I'm not concerned too much about that right now." Nolan said.

Going into his 14th season, the 6-foot-3, 325-pound Allen still plays at a Pro Bowl level. The leadership he provides to the 49ers, particularly to fellow O-linemen, is invaluable, and his locker-room presence and selfless nature will play a pivotal role in San Francisco's continued improvement in 2007.
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