Cowboy legend Larry Allen is being remembered by his daughter Jayla after she died suddenly during a family vacation in Mexico.
She shared a heartbreaking tribute on Instagram on Monday, alongside several throwback snaps of the couple when she was a baby.
‘I don’t know how to write this message or what to say. “I’m in complete shock,” she began.
‘I feel like this is a nightmare and I can’t wait. Every night I prayed to keep you safe. This doesn’t feel like a real dad,” she added.
‘My heart is broken and I don’t know where to go. I was blessed with the best father who loved me unconditionally. You would do anything for our family and I am forever grateful. I feel completely broken and don’t know where to go.’
Jayla, the daughter of cowboy legend Larry Allen, paid tribute to her father on social media
The former Super Bowl champion died at the age of 52 while on a family vacation
She went on to describe the Super Bowl champion, who was just 52 when he died, as her “best friend and twin brother.”
‘People always said we looked so alike and that always made me smile. I know you are at peace and with Grandma. I love you forever and always! Rest in peace,” she concluded the caption.
Jayla’s carousel post included an adorable photo of her as a toddler in a tiny Cowboys jersey, sitting on her dad’s lap after a game.
She also included a photo of the former security guard who held her at the hospital the day she was born, followed by a photo of the father-daughter duo smiling together on her 13th birthday.
Allen played fourteen seasons in the NFL after being drafted in 1994, mostly with the Cowboys before signing with the San Francisco 49ers for the final two seasons of his career.
He played in Super Bowl XXX in 1996, helping Dallas beat the Pittsburgh Steelers 27-17 in Arizona.
“I feel completely broken and don’t know where to turn,” Jayla wrote on Instagram
After his retirement, Allen retired with his family to a quiet life in Northern California
The guard played in Super Bowl XXX as the Cowboys defeated the Pittsburgh Steelers 27-17
Allen also earned ten Pro Bowl selections during his career – the most of any offensive player in Cowboys history – and was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2013.
“We are deeply saddened to announce that Cowboys legend, Super Bowl champion, Cowboys Ring of Honor member and Pro Football Hall of Famer Larry Allen passed away suddenly on Sunday while vacationing in Mexico with his family,” the Dallas said Cowboys in a statement. .
“Known for his great athleticism and incredible strength, Larry was one of the most respected, accomplished offensive linemen to ever play in the NFL.
Allen was considered one of the best and most physically dominant guards in the NFL
Allen is survived by his wife Janelle, daughters Jayla and Lariana and son Larry III
‘His versatility and reliability were also hallmarks of his career. As a result, he continued to serve as an inspiration to many other players and defined what it meant to be a great teammate, competitor and winner.
“He was deeply loved and cared for by his wife Janelle – whom he called his heart and soul – his daughters Jayla and Lariana and son Larry III.
“The Jones family and the Cowboys extend their deepest condolences, thoughts and prayers to the Allen family and grieve along with the many other friends and teammates of the Cowboys who also loved Larry.”
After his retirement, Allen retired to a quiet life in Northern California with his wife and three children.
He is survived by his wife Janelle, along with their daughters Jayla and Lariana and son Larry III.