Former Houston Oilers starting cornerback Patrick Allen died Tuesday at age 59, the Houston Chronicle reported Wednesday.
Per the report, the longtime starter passed away in his hometown of Seattle. No cause of death is yet known, as his family members are reportedly awaiting final results from the coroner’s office.
Allen played seven seasons with the Oilers after being selected in the fourth round of the 1984 NFL Draft out of Utah State. He earned the starting job at right cornerback in his second season, and started for five seasons paired mostly with Cris Dishman at the back end of Houston’s noted “House of Pain” defense.
In his seven seasons, he recorded seven interceptions and five fumble recoveries in 106 games (72 starts). The Oilers reached the postseason in each of his final four seasons (1987-90).
Anthony Allen, Patrick’s brother, also played in the NFL as a wide receiver in the late 1980s for five seasons with the Atlanta Falcons, Washington and the San Diego Chargers.
–Field Level Media