Gary Allen (American football) Obituary & Net Worth At Death
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Gary Allen, the legendary University of Hawaii football player and the most prolific rusher in the program’s history. Gary Allen died today in Los Angeles at the age of 63 due to heart failure, leaving behind a remarkable legacy that will forever be remembered.
During his four seasons as a tailback for the Rainbow Warriors, Allen left an indelible mark on the football field. His career record of 3,451 rushing yards at the University of Hawaii still stands as a testament to his skill, determination, and passion for the game.
Teammates and fans alike remember Allen for his relentless running style and iconic image of his flapping shoulder pads. He was a player who gave his all in every practice and ran every drill at full speed. Former UH offensive lineman Jesse Sapolu, who went on to achieve great success with the San Francisco 49ers, acknowledged Allen’s impact, stating, “It’s a sad moment for all of us. Everybody knows he’s right up there all time.”
Brian Derby, a former UH lineman and longtime football camp coach, reminisced about Allen’s work ethic, saying, “He ran so frickin’ hard… I’ve never seen anyone practice as hard as him. We would run 28 sweep, and he would take the ball and run all the way to the end zone. And then run back (to the huddle). And then the next play, he’d run all the way to the end zone again.”
Off the field, Allen was known for his positive spirit and the genuine connections he made with his teammates. Sapolu described him as “spunky” and always creating a good mood during practice. He held a deep appreciation for his offensive line and constantly pushed them to be their best. Allen’s infectious personality and genuine kindness left a lasting impression on those who knew him.
After his college career, Allen was drafted in the sixth round by the Houston Oilers in the 1983 NFL Draft. He had the opportunity to play alongside Hall of Fame running back Earl Campbell and also had a stint with the Dallas Cowboys.
In 1998, Allen was honored with induction into the University of Hawaii’s Circle of Honor. It was a moment that brought teammates together to celebrate his achievements both on and off the field. During the ceremony, Brian Derby expressed the sentiment shared by many, stating, “We’re here because of the person you are, not the player. The player is secondary. I’m here because you’re a great person. The friendship we made, that’s more important than anything we did on the field. Nobody remembers us as players. We’re has-beens. But they remember how we treated people.”
In recent years, Allen continued to stay connected with his teammates, joining them on road trips to support the University of Hawaii football team. His humility and down-to-earth nature endeared him to those who knew him well. Rick Nakashima, a close friend of Allen’s for over 40 years and the organizer of these road trips, expressed his deep sorrow, saying, “Gary was such a good guy. So darn humble, too. He was funny and a great guy to be around.”
Gary Allen is survived by his wife Hilda, his daughter Adrian, and his son Jaden, who himself played as a receiver for the University of Hawaii. While we mourn the loss of an exceptional athlete and a remarkable individual, we will forever cherish the memories and the impact that Gary Allen had on the football community. His legacy will live on in the hearts of his loved ones and all those who were fortunate enough to witness his talent and kindness.