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CANTON — Twenty-four years after he last touched the field, Eric Allen is now cemented as one of the best to play in the NFL.
The 59-year-old addressed the crowd as he was enshrined into the Pro Football Hall of Fame on Aug. 2 alongside Jared Allen, Sterling Sharpe and Antonio Gates. He appeared in high spirits as his bust was revealed onstage.
“I’m deeply grateful for this incredible honor,” he said. “We all share a deep love and respect for the game of football. It transcends time and space.”
The cornerback spent 14 seasons in the NFL, beginning his career with the Philadelphia Eagles in 1988. Allen played for the Eagles for most of career, but he also spent time with the New Orleans Saints from 1995-97 and the Oakland Raiders from 1998-2001.
Allen was presented by his oldest son Austin at the ceremony. Eric Allen thanked several formative figures in his life, including his older brother Craig, who he credited as his first coach.
“His time with me, his ability to understand what I needed to do to be successful … His precious time he was willing to give to me made all the difference,” he said. “That’s one of the big reasons why I’m standing here today.”
Allen tied the record for most interceptions returned for a touchdown in a single season, recording four in 1993. At the time of his retirement, he remained tied for the record, but it was broken in 2023.
Over the course of his career, Allen had 54 interceptions for 826 yards and made the Pro Bowl six times. He also received second-team All-Pro honors in 1989 and 1993.
Allen thanked his mother and his grandmother, saying his football journey began in southeast San Diego at his grandmother’s house.
“My grandmother was a beautiful woman inside and out. Always a kind word in difficult situations, and her famous lemon pound cake on the stove after a good game,” he said. “My mom, … She’s got that independent spirit, that tremendous work ethic, the incredible belief that I could accomplish anything.”
Allen thanked Willie Shaw, his position coach at Arizona State University during his college days.
“He kind of taught me the diligence, the patience it takes to really define your game,” he said.
Allen took time to thank the figures who took a chance on him throughout his professional career at each of the organizations he played for. Overall, he summed up his accomplishments on the field under a wider lens.
“It’s about living a full life,” he said. “Living a life (where) you want to respect everyone around you.”
Towards the end of his speech, Allen took time to thank his wife for supporting him over the years.
“For all the times I forgot to say I love you and you’re beautiful, I love you and you’re beautiful,” he said. “You had my back from day one.”
Allen said his most significant job is not his football career, but rather, being a father to his four sons.
“For all of you, all of my family, I want you to understand that I’m here for you,” he said. “You’re always welcome.”
The Canton Repository sports department can be contacted via email at sports@cantonrep.com.
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