As a member of the NFL's All-Decade team for the 1990's, Larry Allen is widely recognized as the NFL's premier offensive lineman, and he has established himself as the most decorated offensive lineman in Dallas Cowboys history. In eight NFL seasons since being drafted out of tiny Sonoma State, he is already a seven-time All-Pro selection, six times at guard (1995-97, 1999-01) and one at tackle (1998). With his Pro Bowl selection at tackle in 1998, he became just the third player in league history to be selected to the Pro Bowl at more than one offensive line position during his career, joining Bruce Matthews (guard/center) and Chris Hinton (guard/tackle). Allen's Pro Bowl selection in 2001 was the seventh of his brilliant career - setting the standard for most Pro Bowl selections by a Dallas offensive lineman. Emmitt Smith is the only Dallas offensive player to be selected to more Pro Bowls (nine), while Bob Lilly (11), Mel Renfro (10) and Randy White (9) are the only other Cowboys to be selected to the NFC squad more times than Allen. Allen has played all but one position along the offensive line in his eight seasons in Dallas, moving between right tackle (1994), right guard (1995-97), left tackle (1997-98) and left guard (1999-01). During that time, he has been part of a group that has allowed just 208 sacks in 128 games (1.6 per game), fewest in the NFL during that time (Miami is second with 222 sacks allowed). He has also been a member of an offensive unit that has posted the four lowest sacks allowed totals in club history with 18 in 1995, 19 in 1996 and 1998, and 20 in 1994. He has also been a very important part in Smith's race toward the all-time NFL rushing mark. Prior to the start of the 2002 season, Allen has played a role in eight of Smith's 11 one thousand-yard rushing seasons. Smith has gained 10,488 of his 16,187 career yards since Allen joined the Cowboys in 1994. With a career-best bench press of 700 pounds, and a squat lift of 900 pounds, Allen is also considered to be the strongest man to ever play professional football. In March of 2002, Allen signed a contract extension that all but assures the perennial All-Pro will finish his illustrious career as a Dallas Cowboy.