Eric Allen returns to the spotlights of his highly anticipated moment, well deserved and worthy of Hall
It was always a challenge for Eric Allen. He wanted to line up, head-to-head against the best receiver of the other team. He wanted to be on the island, where the spotlights shone, for better or for worse.
In a career that landed him, after so many years, playing on the island, then waiting for his name to be called, to the pro football Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio, Allen had rarely worse.
A choice of draft in the second round in 1988 of the Eagles and the head coach, Buddy Ryan, Allen was never the most ballyhoo member of the Green Defense of the Gangs, but there was no one – not Reggie White, not Jerome Brown, not Seth Joyner – who was more respected for the way he was preparing for the game.
For the way he prepared to be great.
And Allen was great. He played 14 seasons in the NFL, the first seven of them in Philadelphia where he did the Pro Bowl six times and was once (1989) appointed a player of the first All-Pro team, and Allen was known for the many interceptions (34 of his 54 came during his time with the Eagles) and the big games with the ball.
“I wanted us to remember me as a versatile player, someone who worked hard, devoted me to the game and my teammates, and prepared for doing everything it took to win football matches,” said Allen. “Going against the best game receivers was fun. I loved it all.
“All of this was great. I had a good time here (in Canton) and I am grateful for everything that happened in my career, the support that brought me from my family, my coaches, fans, organizations with whom I played.
