Matt Ulrich of the Indianapolis Colts poses for his 2007 NFL headshot at photo day in Indianapolis, Indiana.Photo:Getty
Getty
Alison Ulrich broke her silence in an emotional post after the death of her husband, Super Bowl champion and former NFL starMatt Ulrich.
Alison’s message was shared to the late Indianapolis Colts star’sFacebookaccount, but addressed Matt’s friends and family who would see the update.
“As many of you know, our beloved, one of a kind Matt has passed away and is in a better place,” she began. “Matt, we love you so so much. You are profoundly missed. We all want you back for just one more day. One more hug. One more kiss. One more laugh. One more joke. One more wrestle with the boys.”
Matt was the father to four sons, Gunther, Dalton, Bowden and Thoreau.
Alison said her sons “have lost their greatest fan, coach, and friend” in the post on Facebook. “Please pray for peace and comfort for the boys,” she continued.
A memorial service for the former NFL star, who won a Super Bowl with aPeyton Manning-led Colts team in 2007, has not been finalized yet, according to Alison’s post. The mother of four said she would share details on her account when she has them.
Concluding her post, Alison wrote, “Thank you to everyone for reaching out and offering help. We appreciate it and are surrounded in love.”
The Indianapolis Colts Matt Ulrich (69) hoists the Lombardi Trophy to celebrate a 29-17 victory over the Chicago Bears in Super Bowl XLI in Miami, Florida, on Sunday, February 4, 2007.Gary W. Green/MCT/Tribune News Service via Getty
Gary W. Green/MCT/Tribune News Service via Getty
“I am heartbroken to hear of the passing of Matt Ulrich,”Irsay wrote on XWednesday, alongside a photo of Ulrich holding the Vince Lombardi trophy in 2007. “Matt was with us only two seasons, but left his mark on many. Great guy, I hear he was a great dad — and he was a Super Bowl champ. My prayers to his family.”
“All funds will go directly to the Ulrich boys,” the page’s description promises.
Among the donations, one anonymous donor gave $200 and called Matt “a true team player and leader that will be profoundly missed.”
Another anonymous donor shared a touching tribute to the late athlete on the fundraiser’s page. “Matt was incredibly kind and thoughtful. He brought an energy and enthusiasm that made every interaction a joy.”
Never miss a story — sign up forPEOPLE’s free daily newsletterto stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.
Drafted into the NFL in 2005, Ulrich was also a player advisor for the Harvard Football Players Health Study, where he had obtained certifications from Harvard Business School.
Offensive guard Matt Ulrich #69 of the Indianapolis Colts looks on during the game against the Houston Texans at the RCA Dome on September 17, 2006 in Indianapolis, Indiana. The Colts beat the Texans 43-24.Dilip Vishwanat/Getty
Dilip Vishwanat/Getty
The former athlete most recently served as chief growth officer and partner with Profitable Ideas Exchange, a Bozeman, Montana-based company that advises professional services firms.
source: people.com
