Super Bowl winner Larry Allen's daughter Jayla in 'shock' over 'nightmare' death of her father at age 52... he was 'my best friend and twin'

Cowboys legend Larry Allen has been remembered by his daughter, Jayla, after passing away suddenly while on a family vacation in Mexico. 

She shared a heartbreaking tribute on Instagram Monday, alongside several throwback snaps of the pair when she was a baby. 

'I don’t know how to write this message and what to say. I am in complete shock,' she began. 

'I feel like this is a nightmare and I can’t wait up. Every night I would pray to keep you safe. This doesn’t feel real dad,' she added. 

'I am heart broken and don’t know where to go from this. 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 from here.'

She went on to describe the Super Bowl champ, who was just 52 when he died, as her 'best friend and twin.' 

'People always said we were so much a like and that always made me smile. I know you are in peace and with granny. I love you always and forever! Rest in peace,' she concluded the caption. 

Jayla's carousel post featured an adorable photo of her as a toddler in a tiny Cowboys shirt, while sitting on her dad's lap after a game. 

She also included a pic of the former guard holding her in the hospital the day she was born, followed by a snap of the father-daughter duo smiling together on her 13th birthday.   

Allen played in the NFL for 14 seasons 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.

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 very saddened to share that Cowboys legend, Super Bowl Champion, Cowboys Ring of Honor member and Pro Football Hall of Famer Larry Allen passed away suddenly while on vacation in Mexico with his family on Sunday,' the Dallas Cowboys said in a statement.

'Larry, known for his great athleticism and incredible strength, was one of the most respected, accomplished offensive linemen to ever play in the NFL.

'His versatility and dependability were also signature parts of his career. Through that, he continued to serve as inspiration for many other players, defining what it meant to be a great teammate, competitor and winner.

'He was deeply loved and cared for by his wife, Janelle - whom he referred to as 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 Cowboys teammates that also loved Larry.'  

After retiring, Allen retreated to a quiet life in Northern California with his wife and three kids. 

He is survived by his wife, Janelle, along with their daughters Jayla and Lariana and son, Larry III.