New Hall of Famer made his mark for the franchise
As is often is the case, this year’s Pro Football Hall of Fame enshrinement ceremony will have a Raiders’ flavor to it.
Defensive back Eric Allen (he joins Sterling Sharpe, Antonio Gates and Jared Allen in a small 2025 class) finished his career with the Raiders. The enshrinement ceremony is at 10 a.m. PT Saturday.
The cornerback played 14 seasons in the NFL. He played his first seven NFL seasons with the Philadelphia Eagles and then played three seasons with the New Orleans Saints before becoming a Raider.
Allen played and finished his career with the Oakland Raiders, spanning 1998-2001. Allen was in Oakland just a a decoration of past success elsewhere. He was a contributor to the Silver and Black and was a typical Al Davis addition. He was famous for adding future Hall of Famer at the end of their careers.
But Allen flashed as a Raider.
Allen, who had eight Pick 6’s in his career, led the Raiders in interceptions three of his four seasons in Oakland. He had three Pick 6s for the 2000 Raiders (which advanced to the AFC championship game) at the age of 35.
He had 56 of his 214 career starts with the Raiders. Allen may best be remembered for his Eagles’ days as he made the Pro Bowl six times in seven seasons.
But there is no doubt, a piece of journey to Canton is based during his time in Oakland.
Plus, Allen has been a longtime in-house broadcaster the Raiders, so this weekend is definitely a time of celebration for Mark Davis and his franchise.