Eric Allen

Did You Know?

• Allen played college football at Arizona State University, where he had 15 interceptions and two returned for touchdowns over four years.
• He was a key member of the Arizona State team that won the 1987 Rose Bowl against the Michigan Wolverines.
• In 2019, Allen served as defensive backs coach for the San Diego Fleet of the Alliance of American Football.

Professional career

The Philadelphia Eagles selected Allen in the second round, 30th overall, of the 1988 NFL draft, making him the third cornerback taken that year. He signed a four-year, $1.05 million rookie contract on June 19, 1988, which included a $260,000 signing bonus. Entering training camp as the projected No. 2 starting cornerback, Allen performed well and was named a starter alongside Roynell Young. He made his regular-season debut on September 10, 1988, against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, recording four solo tackles, one pass deflection, and his first career interception off Vinny Testaverde in a 41–14 win.

In Week 7, he posted a season-high eight combined tackles and intercepted Don Strock during a loss to the Cleveland Browns. On November 13, 1988, he intercepted Bubby Brister and had three pass deflections in a win over the Pittsburgh Steelers. Allen started all 16 games as a rookie, finishing with 57 combined tackles, 11 pass deflections, and five interceptions. After defensive coordinator Wade Phillips left in January 1989, Jeff Fisher was promoted to replace him.

Head coach Buddy Ryan then elevated Allen to the No. 1 cornerback spot for the 1989 season, pairing him with Izel Jenkins. On September 17, 1989, Allen set a season-high with five solo tackles, two pass deflections, and an interception of Mark Rypien in a win over the Washington Redskins.