Arizona State football saw its sixth alum officially inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame on Saturday. Cornerback Eric Allen received his gold jacket and had his bust unveiled in Canton, Ohio as one of four players honored at the annual ceremony.
Eric Allen’s legacy officially lives on in Canton
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Allen spent 24 years on the ballot - the fourth-longest wait by a player voted in by the modern-era committee - and his patience finally paid off. He was a six-time Pro Bowler as a member of the Philadelphia Eagles, New Orleans Saints and Oakland Raiders, and is the only player in league history to run back three or more picks for a touchdown in two separate seasons. Fun fact: His rookie year he played in the famous "Fog Bowl" with the Eagles and then his final game before retiring was the infamous "Tuck Rule" game with the Raiders.
Eric Allen's remarkable career will get its much-deserved place in Canton 👏
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“Let me say that it’s truly an honor to be present here, in the company of these legends,” Allen said in his speech Saturday. “Many of these remarkable men have lit the path and influenced the journey for me. . . . These men and this game have helped me to understand that you have to possess devotion, passion and an abundance of patience. And these invaluable lessons have prepared me for the most significant and cherished aspect of my life and that’s being a dad to our four sons.”
The game takes more than just physical strength, and Eric Allen's career proves that! pic.twitter.com/Tz62HC5iXz
— Pro Football Hall of Fame (@ProFootballHOF) August 2, 2025
Eric Allen recounts ASU days in Hall of Fame induction speech
Allen was a cornerback in Tempe from 1984-87 and set the school record for both interception return yards in a game (129) and in a season (185) as well as tied the record for pick-sixes in a single year (2) during the 1987 season.
He thanked then-defensive backs coach Willie Shaw in his speech for mentoring him during his time in Tempe and reflected upon the 1986 Rose Bowl-winning squad he was grateful to be a part of.
"It was an incredible team and we had some great times in Tempe," Allen said as some of those teammates were in the audience supporting him.
Allen is the 379th inductee into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. He joined Jared Allen, Antonio Gates and Sterling Sharpe in the player Class of 2025.