Former NFL quarterback Ryan Mallett tragically died at the age of 35 after drowning in Destin, Florida. The news of his passing shocked the NFL community and prompted an outpouring of condolences from teammates, fans, and the league itself.
According to reports from Deltaplex News in Arkansas, Mallett was at a beach in Destin when the incident occurred. He was swiftly transported to a nearby hospital, where he was pronounced dead upon arrival, as confirmed by the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office.
The NFL promptly released a statement expressing deep sadness over Mallett’s untimely demise. “The NFL family is deeply saddened by the passing of Ryan Mallett. Our thoughts are with his family and loved ones,” the statement read, reflecting the league’s collective grief.
The New England Patriots, the team that drafted Mallett in the third round of the 2011 NFL Draft from the University of Arkansas, also issued a statement mourning the loss. Sharing a photo of Mallett in a Patriots uniform, they wrote on Twitter, “The New England Patriots are deeply saddened to learn of the sudden and unexpected passing of former quarterback Ryan Mallett. Our thoughts are with the Mallett family, his former teammates, and all who are mourning his loss.”
J.J. Watt, the recently retired defensive lineman and Houston Texans legend, expressed his shock and sorrow on Twitter. Watt, who had been Mallett’s teammate during their time in Houston, wrote, “Horrible news to read about Ryan Mallett. Gone way too soon. Rest in Peace brother,” accompanied by a praying hands emoji.
Mallett had a successful college career at the University of Arkansas, where he became a legend for the Razorbacks. After transferring from the University of Michigan, he thrived in Fayetteville, throwing for impressive yardage and touchdowns. Following his junior season, Mallett declared for the NFL Draft and was selected by the Patriots to learn under the tutelage of Tom Brady.
However, his time in New England was short-lived, as he was subsequently traded to the Houston Texans. Mallett spent a season and a half with the Texans before joining the Baltimore Ravens for the 2016 and 2017 seasons. Throughout his NFL career, he started in only eight games out of his 21 appearances.
In February 2022, Mallett transitioned to coaching and assumed the role of head football coach at White Hall High School in Arkansas. His sudden passing cut short what could have been a promising coaching career.
