This article is about Eric Allen, the NFL player and analyst. For the bassist of The Apples in Stereo, see Eric Allen (musician).

Eric Andre Allen (born November 22, 1965 in San Diego, California) is a former professional American football cornerback who played in the National Football League (NFL) for the Philadelphia Eagles, New Orleans Saints, and Oakland Raiders from 1988 to 2001.

A six-time Pro Bowl selection, Allen retired from football after the 2001 season and is currently an NFL analyst for ESPN. In his NFL career, he recorded 54 interceptions for 827 yards and eight touchdowns, while also recovering seven fumbles. As of December 2008, his 54 interceptions ties him for twelfth all-time.^[1]

[edit] Football career

Allen played high school football at Point Loma High School, played college football at Arizona State and was drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles in the second round of the 1988 NFL Draft.

Allen played for the Eagles for seven seasons and for the New Orleans Saints for three years. While with the Eagles he was a very popular player with the "Gang Green" Defense. He played with NFL greats like: Reggie White, Seth Joyner, and Wes Hopkins. He is the only NFL player to run back three interceptions for scores in two seasons. One of his most memorable plays occurred October 3, 1993. in a game against the New York Jets. Having lost their starting QB Randall Cunningham to a fractured fibula early in the contest, the Eagles found themselves trailing the Jets by 2 late in the 4th quarter as the Jets drove downfield for what would likely be the games final points. Jets quarterback Boomer Esiason attempted to throw for a first down inside the Eagles 10 yard line as Allen stepped in front of the intended receiver at the 6 yard line. The ensuing 94 yard touchdown return was declared "Greatest Interception Return in NFL History" by Steve Sabol of NFL Films.

Through the 2001 season, Allen played in 214 of a possible 217 games.

Allen blew out his knee during the 1998 season. Allen had a season to remember in 2000, with six interceptions, including a team-record three for touchdowns. His teammates honored him with the first annual Eric Turner award for the Raiders' most outstanding defensive player. The award was created in the memory of the Oakland free safety who died of abdominal cancer.

In 2009, Allen was also inducted by the San Diego Hall of Champions into the Breitbard Hall of Fame honoring San Diego's finest athletes both on and off the playing surface.[1]

[edit] Television career

Allen joined ESPN in August 2002 as an NFL studio analyst. His primary role is providing analysis for ESPNews' Monday Quarterback.^[2]

[edit] External links

• Career statistics
• Philadelphia Eagles Where Are They Now?
• ESPN biography of Eric Allen

[edit] References