Nearly 20 years into retirement, Eagles legend Eric Allen is now the closest he's been to receiving pro football's ultimate individual honor.
The Pro Football Hall of Fame announced Tuesday that Allen has been named one of the 25 semifinalists for its 2021 class. It is the first time Allen has made it to this point of the voting process. Other semifinalists include quarterback Peyton Manning, defensive back Charles Woodson, and wide receiver Reggie Wayne.
During his seven seasons with the Eagles, Allen was named to the Pro Bowl five times and was named an All-Pro after the 1989 season when he finished second in the NFL with eight interceptions. He was also a key member of the famesd Gang Green defense that led the league in multiple defensive categories in 1991, including total yards per game (221.8), passing yards per game (150.8), and rushing yards per game (71).
Allen is tied with Brian Dawkins and Bill Bradley for the most interceptions in Eagles history with 34 and is in sole possession of the franchise record for most career interceptions returns for touchdowns with five.
Allen's stellar career was immortalized in Eagles history in 2011 when he was inducted into the Eagles Hall of Fame.
