A Point Loma High alum has received pro football’s highest honor.
Eric Allen, PLHS Class of 1983, was elected in New Orleans during the week leading up to the Super Bowl.
Ironically, the Philadelphia Eagles, who drafted Allen out of Arizona State University as the 30th selection in the 1988 draft were in town as they prepared to dethrone the Kansas City Chiefs in the 59th version of the pro football championship game in the Caesars Super Dome.
Allen becomes the first cornerback in Eagle history to enter the Hall of Fame.
With five interceptions in his rookie season, Allen made a strong impression among NFL observers. In his second season, he added eight more and earned first-team All-Pro honors, and was selected to play in the Pro Bowl.
He played in six Pro Bowls and was the United Press International’s Defensive Player of the Year in 1993 after returning four interceptions for touchdowns.
For his career, Allen played in 217 NFL games, totaling 54 interceptions, returned 826 yards and eight touchdowns.
“On behalf of the Philadelphia Eagles, we proudly congratulate Eric Allen on his induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame,” Eagles chairman and CEO Jeffrey Lurie said. “Eric was an incredibly talented player who was an integral part of a legendary Eagles defense.”
Speaking of legendary, Allen and his Eagle teammates achieved something never done before or since. In 1991, the Eagles defense, dubbed the “Gang Green,” led the NFL in fewest yards allowed rushing, passing, and total yards. They also led the league in sacks and takeaways.
Allen’s career spanned 14 seasons with Philadelphia (1988-1994), New Orleans (1995-1997), and Oakland (1998-2001).
Previously, Allen was named to the Eagles Hall of Fame in 2011 and the team’s 75th Anniversary Team in 2007.
Allen will be inducted into the Hall of Fame from July 31 to Aug. 3 in Canton, Ohio. Other members being inducted are former San Diego Chargers tight end Antonio Gates, Jared Allen (Vikings), and senior member Sterling Sharpe (Packers).
Allen and his wife Lynn (PLHS class of 1984) reside in Point Loma.
