The eldest daughter of legendary Dallas Cowboys star Larry Allen is speaking out, one day after his sudden death at the age of 52 while on vacation with his family in Mexico.

Late Monday, Jayla Allen A bunch of photos have been shared on Instagram of her and her father, who was widely considered one of the greatest offensive linemen in NFL history.

“I don’t know how to write this letter and what to say. I’m in complete shock,” Jayla, 29, began her post alongside the photos. “I feel like this is a nightmare and I can’t wake up. Every night I prayed that you would stay safe. This doesn’t feel like a real father. “I’m sad and I don’t know where to go from here.”

In the photos, Allen appears in moments from Jayla’s childhood, from her birth to other milestones, such as the athlete’s induction into the NFL Hall of Fame in 2013.

Jayla, who was a student at Pepperdine University at the time, She is said to have helped her famously shy father write his speech.

In her Instagram post, Jayla honored her father who would “do anything” for her family, which includes her mother, Larry’s wife, Janelle, and her younger siblings, Larry III and Lorianna.

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“I was blessed with the best father who loved me unconditionally,” Jayla wrote. “I feel completely broken and don’t know where to go from here. The pain of losing you will stay with me forever.. You were my best friend and my twin. People always said we were so much alike and it always made me smile. I know you are at peace and with your grandmother. Love you always and forever!” rest in peace.”

The Cowboys announced Allen’s death on behalf of Jayla and her family on June 3.

“Known for his incredible athleticism and incredible strength, Larry was one of the most respected and accomplished offensive linemen to ever play in the NFL.” The team said in a statement Joined on Monday.

They added: “His versatility and reliability have also been a special part of his career. Through this, he has continued to serve as an inspiration to many other players who have defined what it means to be a great teammate, competitor and winner.”

A first-ballot Hall of Famer, Allen played 14 seasons in the NFL — from 1994 to 2007 — including 12 years with the Cowboys.

On Monday, several of Allen’s former colleagues, including… Troy Aikman And Michael IrvineHe also shared praise for the player, who was a “gentle giant” off the field, but who sparked so much fear in the eyes of opponents, that the players suddenly declared themselves ill so as not to have to face him.

There are no words to describe the feeling of losing a brother, colleague and most importantly a friend. “Someone who always puts others first,” said Allen’s former teammate Emmett Smith wrote on X. “A beast in the field and a gentle soul off it. Rest in peace to a true cowboy and one of the greatest – you will truly be missed.”