Gary Allen: Former Hawaii Football Star Dies At 63
The world of football mourns the loss of Gary Allen, a legendary figure in the history of University of Hawaii football, who passed away today in Los Angeles at the age of 63. Allen left an indelible mark on the sport during his tenure as a Rainbow Warrior tailback from 1978 to 1981, setting a career rushing record of 3,451 yards for the university.
Teammates and fans alike remember Allen’s extraordinary talent and his contributions to the game. Jesse Sapolu, a former UH offensive lineman who went on to win four Super Bowl rings with the San Francisco 49ers, spoke of Allen’s remarkable legacy, stating, “If you put everything together, we’ve had some great running backs… But everybody knows he’s right up there all time. It’s a sad moment for all of us.”
Allen’s distinctive running style, coupled with his trademark flapping shoulder pads, made him a force to be reckoned with on the field. Known for his relentless determination, Allen approached every practice with unwavering intensity, leaving a lasting impression on his teammates. Brian Derby, a former UH lineman and football camp coach, marveled at Allen’s unparalleled work ethic, saying, “He ran so frickin’ hard… I’ve never seen anyone practice as hard as him… He would take the ball and run all the way to the end zone. And then run back to the huddle. And then on the next play, he’d run all the way to the end zone again.”
In addition to his college football success, Allen’s talents caught the attention of the Houston Oilers, who selected him in the sixth round of the 1983 NFL Draft. He had the privilege of serving as the backup to Hall of Fame running back Earl Campbell and also played for the Dallas Cowboys.
In 1998, Allen’s outstanding contributions to the University of Hawaii were recognized when he was inducted into the UH Circle of Honor. During the celebratory banquet, Allen expressed his heartfelt gratitude to his teammates, emphasizing that their friendship and the way they treated others were more important than any accomplishments on the field. Brian Derby echoed this sentiment, stating, “We’re here because of the person you are, not the player… Nobody remembers us as players. We’re has-beens. But they remember how we treated people.”
In recent years, Allen continued to maintain strong connections with his former teammates by joining them on road trips from Los Angeles to Las Vegas to support the University of Hawaii football team in their games against UNLV. Rick Nakashima, a close friend of Allen’s for over four decades and the organizer of these trips, fondly recalled Allen’s humility, humor, and positive presence, highlighting the deep impact he had on those around him.
Gary Allen leaves behind a loving family, including his wife Hilda, daughter Adrian, and son Jaden, a former UH receiver. As the football community reflects on his remarkable career and the person he was, we extend our deepest condolences to his family, friends, and all those whose lives he touched. May his legacy continue to inspire future generations of athletes and may he rest in eternal peace.