Madison Carter, the girlfriend of the late former NFL quarterback Ryan Mallett, who drowned in the waters off the coast near Florida last week, posted a moving tribute to him on Facebook on Sunday.
Carter was with Mallett in Destin, Florida, when he and a few others got stuck on a sandbar and tried to swim back. Mallett capsized and was pulled out of the water by lifeguards, authorities said. Once back on shore, lifeguards tried to revive him but to no avail. He was later pronounced dead at a hospital.
«How do I find the words? I prayed for you for 27 years and we finally met,» Carter wrote on Facebook. “I trust that God has a plan for everything, but I don’t think I’ll ever understand why this happened. I’m so sorry I couldn’t save you and I hope you know how hard I tried.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM
Ryan Mallett, #15 of the Houston Texans, points to the crowd as he walks off the field after defeating the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. (Bob Levey/Getty Images)
«Everyone knows how talented, dedicated and passionate you were about the game of soccer. Those of us lucky enough to know your heart know that it was even bigger than your larger-than-life personality and stature. It was never about you are welcome». you, it was always about others. Several times, I heard you say ‘there are so many good people in this world’, and that statement alone shows what kind of person you were. Always looking for the good.
«I can never thank you enough for loving me the way you did. In such a short time, you showed me the love I have prayed for my whole life. You loved me fiercely and unapologetically. We were planning our future. We were just getting started. .I’m sure some of you think we’re crazy to feel the way we feel about each other in such a short time.I thought we were crazy at first too.But you helped me understand that when two souls connect the way we do did, love has no set timeline.
FLORIDA SHERIFF CHALLENGES BEACHGOERS FOR IGNORING WARNINGS BEFORE DROWNING OF FORMER NFL QB RYAN MALLETT
Ryan Mallett, number 15 of the New England Patriots, watches the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium. (Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)
«Words can’t express how much I miss you. I hope you know how loved you are. To me, your amazing family, your friends, your teammates, your students, and so many others. We’ve been through this. But I’m so honored to love you. and to be loved by you. You changed my life, and I will be forever grateful for the time we had. No amount of time would have been enough. I love you, Ryan. Please take care of us. I can’t wait to see you again.»
Mallett was a standout quarterback in Arkansas before he was selected by the New England Patriots in the third round of the 2011 NFL Draft. He was with the Patriots until the 2014 season, when he joined the Houston Texans. He was later traded to the Baltimore Ravens before becoming a free agent in March 2018.
After Mallett walked away from the NFL, he became the football coach for White Hall High School in Arkansas.
Ryan Mallett, #15 of the Arkansas Razorbacks, looks to pass in the first quarter against the Ohio State Buckeyes during the Allstate Sugar Bowl at the Louisiana Superdome on January 4, 2011 in New Orleans. (Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
«It is with great sadness that we share in the loss of Coach Ryan Mallett. Coach Mallett was a beloved coach and educator. We ask that you keep his family, team, students, fellow coaches and White Hall School District staff in your prayers. . ,” the school said.
Fox News’ Scott Thompson contributed to this report.