Long overdue!
Eric Allen is officially headed to the Pro Football Hall of Fame!
The long wait is over after 19 years of him previously making the ballot.
The former Philadelphia Eagles cornerback was officially announced as one of four members of the 2025 class He’ll be inducted alongside Jared Allen, Sterling Sharpe, and Antonio Gates. (Eli Manning was notably NOT selected in his first year of eligibility.)
Here’s a statement from Eagles owner Jeffrey Lurie:
“On behalf of the Philadelphia Eagles, we proudly congratulate Eric Allen on his induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Eric was an incredibly talented player who was an integral part of a legendary Eagles defense. As we rightly celebrate his football legacy, we also recognize Eric as a special person who left a lasting impression on everyone who had the privilege of crossing paths with him. He is a man of great character and integrity who earned the respect of his teammates, coaches, and Eagles fans everywhere. Eric has always been a Hall of Famer in my eyes, so it is exciting to know that he will now be officially honored among football’s all-time greats. We are beyond thrilled for him and look forward to celebrating with Eric and his family this summer in Canton.”
Allen played for the Eagles from 1988 through 1994. During that span, he made six Pro Bowls and one AP All-Pro first-team. Allen is tied with Brian Dawkins and Bill Bradley for the most interceptions in Eagles franchise history with 34. After leaving Philly, Allen played three seasons for the New Orleans Saints and four more with the Oakland Raiders.
BGN’s John Stolnis previously wrote about why Allen was deserving of Pro Football Hall of Fame honors:
Allen’s legacy goes far beyond just the interceptions and touchdown returns. His role in the Buddy Ryan-Bud Carson scheme was of vital importance, given the frequency of zero-blitzes the two legendary coaches frequently employed at opposing offenses. Ryan and Carson relied on Allen to be singled-up on an opposing team’s best receiver, often times in one-on-one coverage without safety help. His ability to allow the 46 Defense to work by playing effectively on an island helped make the Eagles’ defense of that era to remain one of the most effective and ferocious for the entirety of his time wearing green and silver.
Allen will be formally enshrined in Canton, Ohio this summer.
(PS: The last time an Eagles defensive back was inducted into the Hall of Fame right before they played in a Super Bowl … the Eagles won that Super Bowl.)
