Eric Allen, a Point Loma High School alumnus, is set to be inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio. Allen’s career spanned 14 seasons as a cornerback, starting with the Philadelphia Eagles in 1988 and concluding with the Oakland Raiders in 2001. Known for his consistent performance, Allen never had to switch positions throughout his career.
Reflecting on his time in the NFL, Allen said, “I take tremendous pride in that. But to be able to be on the corner from day one to the last game of my career, being a starter and being an effective player, it means a lot.” Rich Gannon, who played against and later alongside Allen with the Raiders, praised him as “one of the smartest” corners he faced. Gannon highlighted Allen’s ability to read plays and his skillful recovery speed.
Allen’s preparation led to six Pro Bowl appearances and an All-Pro selection in 1989. He also achieved two second-team selections. Growing up in San Diego playing both offense and defense helped him develop skills that translated into nine interceptions returned for touchdowns during his NFL tenure.
His career began with a playoff loss known as the “Fog Bowl” and ended with another playoff defeat in the “Tuck Rule” game against New England. Reflecting on these events, Allen remarked on their uncontrollable nature: “That’s crazy,” he said. “I talk about that a lot too.”
Allen was informed of his Hall of Fame induction by former teammate Randall McDaniel earlier this year. He expressed gratitude for those around him: “The people around me, my circle, it really kind of relieved for them,” he said.
Throughout his career, Eric Allen recorded 54 interceptions and participated in six Pro Bowls. He is remembered for a notable 94-yard interception return against the New York Jets in 1993.
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