Michael Irvin announced on Instagram on Tuesday that he underwent tests to see if he has throat cancer.

The NFL Hall of Famer and Cowboys great, who spent Sunday and Monday at the Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center, said he is asking for everyone’s prayers. Irvin also said in the post that his father died at age 51 from throat cancer and that this disease has always scared him.

“This daemon (sp) has chased and vexed me deep in my spirit all my life. So saying I am afraid this time is a big big understatement,” Irvin wrote. “I AM TERRIFIED!! My Faith tells me whenever you face great fear you go to your greatness power. Mine is God.

“I am asking all who will. Could you please send up a prayer to help my family and I deal with whatever the results may be? Thanks for your thoughts and prayers in advance. I will continue to pray for your fams protection and prosperity as well. May God Bless us all.”

Irvin, 53, said he lost his voice after being so elated when the Cowboys beat the Saints 13-10 on Nov. 29, and that the problem persisted for two more months. Irvin said he went to some of the best throat doctors who thought it would be wise to schedule a throat biopsy.

Irvin — who won three Super Bowls in a four-year span with Troy Aikman and Emmitt Smith in the mid 90s — had 750 receptions for 11,904 yards and 65 touchdowns during his illustrious 12-year career that spanned from 1988-1999. He was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2007.