“We were just getting started,” said Madison Carter, girlfriend of Ryan Mallett in an emotional Facebook post after his sudden death

Following his untimely passing last week, the late Arkansas quarterback Ryan Mallett’s girlfriend has written a moving tribute.

Before entering the NFL, Mallett was a standout at Arkansas and perished in a drowning incident.

Madison Carter, his girlfriend, posted a heartfelt statement on Facebook.

“How do I even find the words. I prayed for you for 27 years, and we finally found each other. I trust that God has a plan for everything, but I don’t think I will ever understand why this happened. I’m so sorry I couldn’t save you, and I hope you know how hard I tried,” she wrote.

“Everyone knows how talented, dedicated, and passionate you were about the game of football. Those of us who were lucky enough to know your heart know that it was even bigger than your larger-than-life personality and stature. Nothing was ever about you, it was always about others. Multiple 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.”

She continued by saying,

“I hope you know how loved you are. By myself, your amazing family, your friends, your teammates, your students, and countless others. I don’t know how I’ll ever get past this. But I’m so honored to love you and be loved by you.”

Ms. Carter remarked that her partner’s heart “was even bigger than your larger-than-life personality and stature”

She said the couple had been making plans for their future together and that they had a “fierce” love for one another.

“I can never thank you enough for loving me the way that you did. In such a short time, you showed me the love I have prayed for my entire life,” she continued.