Now that he is retired after a stellar 14-year NFL career which included stints with the Eagles, Saints and Raiders, Eric Allen wants to make one thing perfectly clear...

"If I ever get inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, I am going in as a Philadelphia Eagle. If you cut me open, I bleed Eagles green and so if ever given the chance I will be wearing an Eagles jersey in Canton, Ohio."

Allen still holds the Eagles franchise record for most interception returns for TD's in both a career with (5), and a season (4) in 1993. He is also tied with Bill Bradley for most interceptions in an Eagles career with (34).

"I have great love for the city of Philadelphia, and the loyal fans. I took pride in going over the Walt Whitman Bridge for practice every day," Allen said. "Those Eagles teams and those fans were like family to me."

CB Eric Allen had a nose for the football

Allen wanted to retire as an Eagle but just couldn't believe his eyes.

"I wanted to stay in Philly my whole career, but when the previous ownership let (DE) Reggie White leave, I was stunned. This was a guy who was an ambassador for the city of Philadelphia, and the Eagles team both on and off the field. And to see the old regime just let him walk out the door shocked me," Allen recalled. "If they let our leader walk out the door, then I started thinking how they would treat me, Seth (Joyner), and Clyde (Simmons)."

What Allen missed most was the passion of the Eagles fans. He also recalled two games when the fans simply willed the team to victory.

"The Monday Night Football game against the Giants at Veterans Stadium was a great night," Allen said. "The great play Randall (Cunningham) made on Carl Banks. And in the same game was the Keith Byars hit on Pepper Johnson. They were former teammates, but on that night Keith laid him out. After that hit our fans went crazy, and on that night the fans made a statement to the Giants saying, 'You may be the champions, but this is our house! The fans got us that win!"

Allen then continued about another memorable game:

"Our fans also got us the key victory in 1992, late in the season versus the Redskins which put us in the playoffs. Last play of the game, Mark Rypien looking to end our season, and our fans erupted in noise. Then I was able to knock down his pass in the end zone to end the game. The place went crazy. I still get chills thinking about that game."

As a cornerback, changing the momentum of a game was an Allen specialty, such as his unforgettable interception he returned 94 yards for a touchdown on the road against the Jets on Oct. 3, 1993 to seal the victory. He then gave the game ball to a special friend who was injured earlier in the game.

"Jets (QB) Boomer Esiason loves to take chances with his arm, so when he put the ball up I broke on it and it all seemed like slow motion," Allen said. "After intercepting the pass I was going to run out of bounds, but then wanted to get the offense some breathing room.

"So I decided to reverse field and picked up ten yards. Then after making two guys miss I saw a lot of green so I kept running. Then I hear Ben Smith yelling pitch the ball at midfield, and I yelled are you crazy after making it this far. I am taking this one myself.

"As I'm running closer to the end zone I saw Randall appear in the tunnel on crutches and after scoring a touchdown I gave him the ball because he was the leader of our team. I told him we survived this game without him, but we will need a lot more great plays to survive the season without him."

Then Allen was put on the spot, when asked who he thought would come out victorious if the high-powered 2004 NFC Champion Eagles offense squared off against the legendary "Gang Green" Eagles defense of 1991 which dominated the NFL that season.

Allen offered an in-depth analysis of how he sees such a match-up playing out.

"In '91, we were a dominating, tenacious defense. And we loved playing a pass-oriented offense because we loved getting after the quarterback, getting after the pass was our specialty," Allen said. "Now the Eagles offense (2004) had a dominant quarterback who can beat you with his arm or legs in Donovan McNabb. And I think T.O. (Terrell Owens) is the best wide receiver in the league. But on that offense they only have two dominant playmakers plus Brian Westbrook.

"Our front four would cause big problems for their offense, nobody can block Reggie White one on one. So if Reggie is double-teamed then Brian Westbrook has to stay in the backfield to chip on Clyde Simmons all game, and Jerome Brown is clogging up the running lanes when a running game is trying to get established.

CB Eric Allen

"Now I'm covering T.O., who is a great player; but in '91 I was very quick, athletic, and coming off a Pro Bowl season too. Now T.O. is a great slant runner but if he runs slants (MLB) Byron Evans will be ready to hit him all day long.

"And we all saw in 'The House of Pain' game versus Houston, how Wes Hopkins and Andre Waters can dominate the middle of the field. Plus, William Thomas was a great cover guy on the tight end.

"I believe the Eagles offense will get back to the Super Bowl because they are very good at exposing mismatches, but our defense of 1991 would beat them soundly."

Today, Allen resides in San Diego, California with his wife, Lynn, and their four sons, Austin (10), Hunter (7), Jordan (4) and Noah (8 months).

Allen also works as a football analyst for ESPN. However, what Allen enjoys most about his work is his flexible schedule.

"Because I only work for ESPN from August until the Super Bowl, I am able to spend a lot of time with my sons which I enjoy every day," Allen said. "Just coaching them and seeing them participate in activities like football and baseball, and going to the movies is a big thrill.

"During my playing career my family time was very limited because I was so committed to my career. Now, I'm more aware of being a great dad.

"Also, I have really dedicated myself to helping the youth of today. I speak to them on the importance of carrying out a plan. And I enjoy working with Marcus Allen and Ronnie Lott at their All-Star Camp where we hold a camp for underprivileged children."

However, Allen said he would love to bring his family back to Philadelphia for a special event.

"I would definitely make the trip to Lincoln Financial Field, if the organization is able to plan a reunion of our 1991 defense," Allen said. "It may happen because Jeffrey Lurie has done a great job of bridging the gap between the players of today and those gifted players in the early 1990s.

"The young fans need to know before Brian Dawkins, there was another great No. 20 (Andre Waters) who played some great football. So a reunion for the 1991 defense would be great because we had passion and heart. Our defense was a perfect fit for the city of Philadelphia."