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United States Eric Allen has transitioned from a highly decorated NFL cornerback to an NFL analyst and coach, sharing his extensive knowledge of the game.
Eric Allen is being inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame as part of the Class of 2025. This includes various media appearances, speeches, and recognition events surrounding his enshrinement.
Eric Allen joins 'The Insiders' to share his experience receiving his Hall of Fame knock, and other media contributions as a former player.
Allen joined ESPN in August 2002 as an NFL studio analyst, primarily appearing on 'Sportscenter' to provide analysis.
Allen has had appearances as a college football analyst on the Pac-12 Networks football shows, as well as for the station's flagship show 'Sports Report'.
Allen was inducted into the Breitbard Hall of Fame, honoring San Diego's finest athletes both on and off the playing surface.
Eric Allen was born on November 22, 1965, in San Diego, California. He attended Point Loma High School and played college football at Arizona State University. Allen’s professional career in the National Football League (NFL) spanned 14 seasons, where he was recognized for his cornerback play. Drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles with the 30th overall pick in the 1988 NFL Draft, Allen made an immediate impact, earning a spot on the 1988 PFWA All-Rookie Team with five interceptions in his debut season. His performance steadily improved, leading to a career-high eight interceptions in his second year with the Eagles, securing him first-team All-Pro honors and a Pro Bowl selection.
Allen’s career with the Philadelphia Eagles lasted seven seasons, from 1988 to 1994, during which he was a consistent force in the secondary. He led the Eagles in total interceptions four times. Notably, in 1993, he returned four interceptions for touchdowns, a mark that tied the NFL record at the time of his retirement. That year, United Press International (UPI) recognized him as the Defensive Player of the Year. He was selected to six Pro Bowls throughout his career (1989, 1991-1995) and earned second-team All-Pro honors twice (1989, 1993). After his tenure with the Eagles, Allen played for the New Orleans Saints from 1995 to 1997 and concluded his playing career with the Oakland Raiders from 1998 to 2001. With the Raiders, he contributed to the team winning back-to-back AFC West titles in 2000 and 2001, a feat not achieved since the early 1980s. By the end of his career, his eight interception returns for touchdowns were tied for third-most in league history.
Following his retirement from playing, Allen remained involved with football. He became an NFL analyst for ESPN in August 2002 and later for Pac-12 Networks, where he offers insights on college football. In 2019, he served as the defensive backs coach for the San Diego Fleet of the Alliance of Football (AAF). His career achievements were further recognized with his induction into the Philadelphia Eagles Hall of Fame in 2011 and his inclusion on their 75th Anniversary Team in 2007. Eric Allen was also elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame as part of the Class of 2025, solidifying his legacy as one of the NFL’s prominent cornerbacks.
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