Tom Brady led NFL stars rallying around Shaq Barrett after he posted a heartbreaking tribute to his daughter, Arrayah, who drowned in the family swimming pool on April 30.
The two-year-old, who celebrated her birthday just days before, was taken to hospital after she had fallen into the water at the Tampa Bay Buccanneers star's home in the Beach Park area of the city and medics were unable to save her life.
Less than two weeks on from the tragic accident, two-time Super Bowl champion Barrett – a key player in the Bucs Super Bowl triumph in 2021 – posted a video on Instagram of Arrayah blowing kisses as he held her.
"I miss you sooo much baby girl," he added on Wednesday. "I love you please watch over us."
Barrett's wife, Jordanna commented: "We love you forever and ever baby girl. Until we meet again my baby."
Dozens of NFL players past and present offered words of support to the 30-year-old and his loved ones.
Brady, quarterback of the Bucs when Barrett won his second ring, said "Love you" with heart and prayer emojis, while fellow Super Bowl LV champion Mike Evans posted "Love you brother".
Damarcus Ware, Barrett's teammate with the Denver Broncos from 2014-16, said: "My heart goes out to your family bro," with ex-Philadelphia Eagles star LeSean McCoy and Fox Sports sideline reporter Erin Andrews also offering their condolences.
Arrayah was the youngest of the Barretts' four children after sons Shaquil Jr and Braylon, and daughter Aaliyah, and her mother said the "world will never be the same" in an emotional statement on May 3.
"Arrayah was the apple of my eye, and my heart will forever be with hers," she said.
"I love you so much my baby. I am so so sorry. Until we see each other again, please watch over your siblings and momma and dada. We love you forever and ever and always.
"I can't wait to see that precious smile again, and just hug you so close. I would do absolutely anything. There is no Barrett six without you, and we will forever hold your place down here until we all meet again in heaven. I love you forever and always."
Barrett signed a four-year deal worth $68million with the Bucs in the aftermath of their Super Bowl title two years ago, but his 2022 campaign ended prematurely in week eight due to torn Achilles.
A statement from the team after Arrayah's death read: "Our thoughts and prayers are with Shaq, Jordanna and the entire Barrett family during this unimaginably difficult time.
"While no words can provide true comfort at a time such as this, we offer our support and love as they begin to process this very profound loss of their beloved Arrayah."
