The Philadelphia Eagles will induct cornerback Eric Allen and defensive coordinator Jim Johnson into the franchise's Honor Roll at halftime of their upcoming game against the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday, October 30.
Allen played with the Eagles from 1988-94 after the team made him a second-round draft pick out of Arizona State. He recorded 34 interceptions, tied for most in Eagles history with Bill Bradley and Brian Dawkins, and holds the team mark with five interceptions returned for touchdowns. A three-time All Pro selection, he and Troy Vincent are the only Eagles cornerbacks to be selected to the Pro Bowl five times. Allen was part of the great 1991 Eagles defense that became only the fifth defense in NFL history to rank first in the NFL in fewest total yards allowed, fewest rushing yards allowed and fewest passing yards permitted.
Johnson was one of the NFL's most innovative and successful defensive masterminds. He served as the team's defensive coordinator from 1999 until his death in 2009 and his aggressive style kept Philadelphia at or near the top of the NFL in nearly every major defensive category during his tenure. From 2000-08, Johnson's units ranked second in the NFL in sacks (390), 3rd down efficiency (34.0%) and red zone touchdown percentage (43.9%), and fourth in fewest points allowed (17.7 per game). During his 10-year stay in Philadelphia, the Eagles earned seven playoff berths, five trips to the NFC Championship game and one Super Bowl appearance (following the 2004 season).
As the Eagles' defensive chief, Johnson's defense produced 26 Pro Bowl selections: Brian Dawkins (7), Troy Vincent (5), Jeremiah Trotter (4), Hugh Douglas (3), Lito Sheppard (2), Asante Samuel (1), Trent Cole (1), Michael Lewis (1), Corey Simon (1), and Bobby Taylor (1).
Allen and Johnson will join 33 other members of the Eagles Honor Roll: C/LB Chuck Bednarik, owner Bert Bell, LB Bill Bergey, S Bill Bradley, DB Tom Brookshier, T Bob Brown, DT Jerome Brown, RB Timmy Brown, WR Harold Carmichael, QB Randall Cunningham, head trainer Otho Davis, executive Jim Gallagher, E Bill Hewitt, QB Ron Jaworski, QB Sonny Jurgensen, HB Ollie Matson, WR Tommy McDonald, RB Wilbert Montgomery, head coach Earl "Greasy" Neale, E Pete Pihos, WR Mike Quick, E Pete Retzlaff, C Jim Ringo, T Jerry Sisemore, QB Norm Van Brocklin, HB Steve Van Buren, head coach Dick Vermeil, T Stan Walters, DE Reggie White, T Al Wistert, C Alex Wojciechowicz, and the 1948 and 1949 NFL Championship Teams
