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Posted: 12:01 AM Mar 25, 2006
Last Updated: 12:01 AM Mar 25, 2006
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3-24-05 - The San Francisco 49ers hope Allen-itis still is highly contagious.
Larry Allen, the Dallas Cowboys' 10-time Pro Bowl guard and perhaps the most dominant offensive lineman of his generation, agreed to a two-year contract with the 49ers on Friday.
Though the 34-year-old has played 12 tough NFL seasons, the struggling 49ers believe they could use a big dose of Allen's famed nastiness. Allen, the massive last link to the Cowboys' most recent Super Bowl-winning team, was released Tuesday when he refused to take a pay cut.
Michael Strahan once called Allen "the legalized killer" because of his size, athleticism and all-around nasty play. At the height of his dominance, other Cowboys chuckled when opposing defensive players came down with mysterious injuries before their meetings with Allen -- a phenomenon known as "Allen-itis."
"I think Larry has got a mind-set that every offensive lineman should have," 49ers coach Mike Nolan said. "I'm looking for an identity that our offensive line is searching for. Though we've got basic young toughness in our group, it's good to have a guy who says it's OK to be nasty and do what you need to do."
Despite their 4-12 record last season and a young roster, the 49ers were attractive to Allen for more reasons than money.
Allen played two college seasons at Sonoma State, just north of San Francisco, before spending his entire career in Dallas -- where he played for 49ers offensive coordinator Norv Turner and offensive line coach George Warhop. Allen even bought a house in Danville, an upscale Bay Area suburb, two years ago.
"If it wasn't Dallas, I wanted to go back home," said Allen, who also spoke to the Oakland Raiders during his brief free agency. "They offered the best deal, and they're in California, so it worked."
The 49ers outbid several suitors to put the 6-foot-3, 325-pound Allen on a line that improved last season, but still struggled just as much as every other part of the NFL's 32nd-ranked offense. Allen, who said he weighs 340 right now, will play left guard, his primary position with Dallas in recent seasons after stints at every spot but center.
Allen cleared a path for NFL career rushing leader Emmitt Smith and his teammates while being placed on eight All-Pro teams, including each of his first seven seasons as a starter.
Though some say Allen's game has slipped in recent seasons with nagging injuries, he played every down for the Cowboys last season and earned another Pro Bowl selection.
Allen was reluctant to share his feelings about his departure from the Cowboys, clearly still coping with his release. Though he praised owner Jerry Jones, who spoke to him shortly before the decision, he didn't have much to say about coach Bill Parcells.
"I think he's a good coach," Allen said. "I didn't see it coming, but Jerry Jones, he's been like a father to me. A great man."
Running backs Kevan Barlow and Frank Gore struggled for running room last season, but should get a boost from running behind one of the best run-blockers in NFL history. Nolan said Justin Smiley will be the 49ers' starting right guard, with Eric Heitmann and David Baas competing for spots at backup guard or starting center, if oft-injured Jeremy Newberry can't come back.
San Francisco has been fairly quiet in free agency, with former Cowboys receiver Antonio Bryant as its biggest signing before Allen.
Allen visited the 49ers' training complex in Santa Clara on Thursday and Friday, chatting with teammates in the weight room and going to dinner with left tackle Jonas Jennings. He believes he can impart a bit of his trademark nastiness to his new teammates.
"In practice, we'll get that straightened out," Allen promised.
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