When folks talk about pure, raw power in the NFL, one name always seems to pop up: Larry Allen. For years, stories have circulated about the Dallas Cowboys' legendary offensive lineman and his almost unbelievable strength. Perhaps the most famous tale, the one that makes everyone's jaw drop, asks: Did Larry Allen bench 700 pounds? It's a question that has sparked countless discussions among fans and strength enthusiasts alike, really, even to this very day.
The image of a man bench pressing such a massive amount of weight, especially a professional football player known for his on-field dominance, is certainly captivating. This isn't just some gym rumor; it's a moment that has been talked about in the very halls of the Dallas Cowboys, a truly remarkable feat that continues to capture imaginations. You know, it's almost like a modern-day legend, something passed from one generation of fans to the next.
So, what's the real story behind this incredible display of power? Was it truly 700 pounds? And what does it tell us about the kind of athlete Larry Allen was? We're going to pull back the curtain on this legendary lift, looking at the eyewitness accounts and the details that make this moment so unforgettable. It's a look at what it really took to be a force like Larry Allen, a bit of a peek into his world.
Table of Contents
- Larry Allen: A Glimpse at the Legend
- The Legendary 700-Pound Bench Press
- Eyewitness Accounts and the Video
- Beyond the 700 Pounds: Allen's Overall Strength
- The Legacy of Larry Allen
- Frequently Asked Questions About Larry Allen
- A Final Thought on True Power
Larry Allen: A Glimpse at the Legend
Before we get into the specifics of that incredible lift, it's good to remember who Larry Allen was as a player and a person. Born on November 27, 1971, he was a massive presence on the offensive line, standing 6'3" and weighing in at 325 pounds. His size, combined with his surprising quickness and, of course, his immense strength, made him a truly rare talent in the NFL. He was, in a way, just built differently.
Allen played for the Dallas Cowboys for most of his career, from 1994 to 2005, and then had a brief stint with the San Francisco 49ers. He was a cornerstone of the Cowboys' offensive line, protecting quarterbacks and clearing paths for running backs with a relentless power that few could match. Hall of Famer John Randle, a fierce opponent, once put it simply: "Larry had a job to do, and his job was to go through you." That pretty much sums it up, doesn't it?
His playing style and dedication to training made him a Hall of Famer, entering Canton in 2013. His legacy extended far beyond mere statistics; he embodied a rare combination of brute force and surprising agility. To be great on the field, you must train extremely hard off the field, and Allen certainly did that, so it's clear he put in the work.
Personal Details and Bio Data of Larry Allen
Full Name | Larry Christopher Allen Sr. |
Born | November 27, 1971 |
Height | 6 feet 3 inches (1.91 m) |
Weight | 325 pounds (147 kg) |
Position | Offensive Guard, Offensive Tackle |
NFL Teams | Dallas Cowboys (1994–2005), San Francisco 49ers (2006–2007) |
Hall of Fame Induction | 2013 |
Age at 700lb Lift (approx.) | 30 years old (Spring 2001) |
The Legendary 700-Pound Bench Press
Now, let's get to the heart of the matter: the 700-pound bench press. Yes, the stories are true. Larry Allen did, in fact, bench press 700 pounds. This incredible feat happened during the spring of 2001, when Allen was about 30 years old. It's a moment that has been preserved on video, allowing fans to witness this jaw-dropping display of strength again and again, which is pretty amazing, actually.
The video shows Allen working his way up to that immense weight, a testament to his methodical approach to strength training. It wasn't just a random attempt; it was the culmination of serious dedication in the weight room. This kind of lift is incredibly rare, even among professional powerlifters, let alone NFL players who focus on football-specific strength. He really was in a league of his own, you could say.
For context, consider that Allen lifted about 30 pounds more than what is often considered the benchmark for extreme strength in this area. It's a weight that few men in history have ever managed to move. This particular lift, as a matter of fact, continues to go viral on social media, especially in the wake of Allen’s passing, reminding everyone of his incredible physical gifts.
Eyewitness Accounts and the Video
The accounts from those who saw it happen add even more weight to the legend. Hudson Houck, who was Allen’s offensive line coach at Dallas, distinctly remembered the moment. He stated, "I saw him bench press over 700 pounds." This isn't just a fan's recollection; it's from someone who was there, seeing it with his own eyes, which really means something.
Another witness recalled the event with similar amazement: "In spring 2001, I just happened to be walking through the weight room when Larry Allen bench pressed 700 pounds and what I remember that day was how easy he was able to do it." The ease with which he moved such a colossal weight is what truly shocked people, apparently. It wasn't a struggle; it was almost routine for him.
The video itself, often titled "Larry Allen 700 lbs Bench Press (with way too much assistance)," does show some spotter involvement. However, it's important to understand that even with assistance, moving 700 pounds is an extraordinary feat of strength. The spotters are there for safety and to help guide the bar, not to lift the majority of the weight. It's still Larry Allen doing the bulk of the work, you know, pushing that incredible load.
The video has a unique quality, especially with the "rocket's belly dive at the end" which makes people watch it over and over. It's not just about the weight; it's about the raw power and the personality that shines through, too. This moment, caught on film, became a significant part of his legend, a really vivid picture of his power.
Beyond the 700 Pounds: Allen's Overall Strength
While the 700-pound bench press is a highlight, it's crucial to remember that this wasn't Allen's only display of incredible strength. His power was consistent and pervasive throughout his career. He was known for being able to physically dominate opponents on the field, often simply overpowering them with his sheer force. This kind of strength translated directly to his effectiveness as an offensive lineman, which is pretty clear.
Another remarkable feat often mentioned is his ability to bench press 225 pounds for an astounding 43 repetitions. This test, often used at the NFL Combine, measures muscular endurance and raw strength. To put up 43 reps at that weight is truly elite, showcasing not just a one-rep maximum but sustained, powerful effort. It's a different kind of strength, really, but just as impressive.
These demonstrations of strength weren't just for show; they were a direct result of his commitment to training. Allen understood that to be a dominant force on the football field, he needed to be equally dominant in the weight room. His approach to training was as intense as his play, which, in a way, made him the player he was.
His physical prowess was legendary, and it served him well in his career. He could anchor an offensive line, move defenders at will, and protect his quarterback with a tenacity born from his incredible power. It's not every day you see an athlete with that kind of all-around physical capability, which is just amazing.
The Legacy of Larry Allen
Larry Allen's passing brought renewed attention to his incredible career and, naturally, to the video of his 700-pound bench press. It serves as a powerful reminder of the physical marvel he was. His strength wasn't just a talking point; it was a fundamental part of his identity as a player and a significant reason for his success. He was, quite simply, one of the strongest to ever play the game, you know, a true titan.
His legacy continues to inspire, particularly in the world of strength training and professional sports. People still talk about his ability to move defenders with such ease, and his gym feats are still discussed with awe. He set a standard for what an offensive lineman could be, combining immense power with surprising athleticism. It's a pretty high bar he set, actually.
The story of Larry Allen's 700-pound bench press isn't just a tale of brute force; it's a testament to dedication, hard work, and pushing the limits of human capability. It reminds us that sometimes, the legends you hear are, in fact, true, or at least very, very close to it. You can learn more about NFL legends and their incredible feats on our site, and check out this page for more on Dallas Cowboys history.
His impact on the game and the memories he created, like that incredible lift, will surely live on for a very long time. He's a true icon, and his strength is a big part of why.
Frequently Asked Questions About Larry Allen
Was Larry Allen the strongest NFL player ever?
While it's tough to definitively name one "strongest ever," Larry Allen is certainly in the conversation for that title. His 700-pound bench press and 43 reps of 225 pounds are among the most impressive strength feats ever recorded for an NFL player. Many coaches, teammates, and opponents considered him the strongest player they ever saw, which is a pretty strong endorsement, actually.
How many men have benched 700 lbs?
Benching 700 pounds is an extremely rare feat in the world of strength sports. Very few individuals, even among dedicated powerlifters, have officially benched this much weight. Larry Allen's lift puts him in a very exclusive club, showcasing a level of strength that is truly exceptional and not commonly seen, you know, anywhere.
Where can I watch the Larry Allen 700lb bench press video?
The legendary video of Larry Allen's 700-pound bench press is widely available on video-sharing platforms. A quick search for "Larry Allen 700 lb bench press" will typically bring it up. It's a clip that continues to circulate and amaze viewers, even years after it happened, so it's quite easy to find, really. You can often find it on major sports news sites or fan forums too, like this article from NFL.com.
A Final Thought on True Power
Larry Allen's strength was legendary, a force that few could match on the football field or in the weight room. The story of his 700-pound bench press is more than just a number; it's a symbol of his incredible dedication and the sheer physical gifts he possessed. It's a reminder that some athletes truly push the boundaries of what seems possible, leaving us all a bit in awe. He really was something special, wasn't he?


