by One noteworthy fact among all of Eric Allen’s outstanding achievements that contributed to his induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame is that he played at an elite level throughout his 14 seasons, never having to switch from cornerback.
The Point Loma High School alum shut down opposing receivers and everybody else from his debut game in 1988 as a member of Buddy Ryan’s ferocious defenses in Philadelphia to his final game as a shrewd veteran with the Oakland Raiders in 2001.
“I’m really proud of that,” Allen remarked. However, it means a lot to be able to start and be an effective player from the first to the last game of my career. I’m a corner, not a DB. I will refrain from being snobbish. It’s different positions, though.
Few people played it as effectively as Allen, and on Saturday, he will be formally inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio, earning him the highest honor.
I faced many excellent corners in my game. Rich Gannon, who played against Allen early in his career and was a teammate toward the end with the Raiders when Allen and Charles Woodson would square off against Tim Brown and Jerry Rice in intense drill sessions, said, “I think Eric was one of the smartest I’ve played against.”
He was really astute. He recognized certain things and jumped certain routes. He’s one of those individuals you had best see if you’re going to throw at him. You just cannot assume that the receiver has separation by putting your foot in the ground. He would lure you. He would pretend to be off or to have been beaten. He recovered quickly and with remarkable skill. His game just lacked many weaknesses.
Allen attributes his success to his preparation, which produced two selections to the second team, one All-Pro selection in 1989, and six Pro Bowl invitations.
Growing up in San Diego, Allen played both ways and imagined himself as Marcus Allen. With nine interceptions returned for touchdowns, including one in a 1992 playoff victory for Philadelphia over New Orleans and a league-high four in the 1993 season alone, those running back skills paid off in the NFL.
His final total was 54 interceptions.
The location always appeared to require that you sprint after you catch it, not just intercept it. “That’s your chance to demonstrate your skills,” he remarked. It’s your chance to turn to Marcus Allen when you get the ball. It was necessary. Playing cornerback gives you the opportunity to attempt and score if you catch the ball.
After his first season ended with a playoff loss in the historic Fog Bowl game at Chicago in 1988, Allen’s career began in Philadelphia. After the 2001 season, the Raiders lost to New England in the Tuck Rule game, capping off yet another historic playoff defeat.
He said, “That’s crazy.” I also discuss that a lot. Two factors that were undoubtedly out of our control.
The play call with a slant as the first option was discussed by offensive coordinator Charlie Weis and quarterback Tom Brady shortly before that pivotal play. This is Allen’s most vivid memory of the Tuck Rule game.
Get neighborhood news in your inbox. It’s free and enlightening.
Become one of the 20,000+ individuals who receive breaking news alerts and the Times of San Diego in their inbox every day at 8 a.m.
Weekly updates from San Diego communities have also been provided! You acknowledge and agree to the terms by clicking “Sign Up.” Choose from the options below.
Woodson forced what was referred to as a fumble on the field, only to be overruled on a review that still haunts the Raiders from that game. Allen instructed linebacker William Thomas to cover the first available widow, and if Brady waited, Allen was there to jump the route.
Allen felt it was time to retire after Oakland’s coach Jon Gruden was traded a few weeks later, and he missed the Raiders’ 2002 Super Bowl run.
He stated, “I just thought that might be the ideal time to book end my career.”
He was inducted into the San Diego Sports Association’s Breitbard Hall of Fame prior to the decade’s end. Earlier this year, the Football Hall of Fame called. Alongside former San Diego Charger Antonio Gates, he will be inducted.
Randall McDaniel, a former teammate at Arizona State, broke the news.
Allen remarked, “It’s really kind of relief for the people around me, my circle.” I never experienced terror or found myself in a scenario where I thought, “Oh, man, I’m not going to get in.” I resolved this long ago, and it will be ideal whenever I enter.
