Former NFL, Arkansas QB Ryan Mallett dies in apparent drowning at ...

28 Jun 2023

Yahoo Sports

Former NFL Arkansas QB Ryan Mallett dies in apparent drowning at

Mallett had worked as a high school football coach in Arkansas since 2022.

Former NFL and University of Arkansas quarterback Ryan Mallett died in an apparent drowning incident along Florida's Gulf Coast. He was 35 years old.

Arkansas' Deltaplex News reported Tuesday that Mallett was transported after the incident from a beach in Destin, Florida, to a local hospital, where he was pronounced dead. Officials with the White Hall School District, where Mallett worked, confirmed his death. Mallett was the head football coach at White Hall High School.

"It is with great sadness that we share the loss of Coach Ryan Mallett," the statement reads. "Coach Mallett was a beloved coach and educator. We ask that you remember his family, team, students, fellow coaches, and the White Hall School District staff in your prayers."

The Okaloosa County Sheriff's Office confirmed the nature of Mallett's death in a statement Tuesday afternoon.

"A tourist died in an apparent drowning offshore of Gulf Shore Drive in Destin," the statement reads. "A group of individuals were reportedly struggling offshore when a man went under. He was not breathing when lifeguards found and pulled him out. Tragically lifesaving measures weren't successful."

OCSO later confirmed the man identified as "a tourist" was Mallett after his next of kin was notified. News of Mallett's death arrives amid 11 reported deaths attributed to rip currents along the Gulf Coast in recent weeks.

Ryan Mallett died in an apparent drowning incident in Destin, Florida. (Nick Cammett/Diamond Images via Getty Images)

Mallett played in college as a freshman at Michigan before transferring to Arkansas, where he played two seasons. He was selected in the third round of the 2011 NFL Draft by the New England Patriots. He played seven seasons in the NFL with the Patriots, Houston Texans and Baltimore Ravens.

A native of Batesville, Arkansas, Mallett was one of the best high school quarterbacks to ever play in his home state. He committed to play for Michigan and made 11 appearances as a freshman backup to Chad Henne. He transferred to Arkansas after the retirement of Michigan coach Lloyd Carr and started as a sophomore and junior with the Razorbacks. He declared for the draft after his junior season to join the NFL.

Mallett played sparingly as a backup to Tom Brady, and the Patriots traded him to the Texans in 2014. He made nine appearances, including six starts, for the Texas before they released him midseason in 2015. He then signed with the Ravens, where he made eight appearances, including two starts, through the 2017 season.

He joined White Hall as its football coach in 2022.

Football world reacts to Ryan Mallett's death

Friends, teammates, opponents and organizations from Mallett's football career reacted to his death.

Horrible news to read about Ryan Mallett.

Gone way too soon.

Rest in Peace brother.

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— JJ Watt (@JJWatt) June 27, 2023

We are shocked and saddened by the passing of Ryan Mallett. He was a Razorback legend with larger-than-life talent and a personality to match. He led our program to some of our best moments in recent memory. He will be missed by everyone who knew him. Our thoughts and prayers are… pic.twitter.com/aYlMOBkHAV

— Arkansas Razorback Football (@RazorbackFB) June 27, 2023

Bill Belichick on the passing of Ryan Mallett:

“I am extremely saddened by Ryan’s tragic passing. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and the many people whose lives he touched.”

— Mark Daniels (@ByMarkDaniels) June 27, 2023

We are saddened to learn of Ryan Mallett’s passing. Ryan was a tremendous person and a loyal teammate.

Our heartfelt condolences are with the Mallett family during this difficult time. pic.twitter.com/P6f9pv8RRt

— Baltimore Ravens (@Ravens) June 28, 2023

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. pic.twitter.com/TUpa7cpXoS

— New England Patriots (@Patriots) June 27, 2023

WoW RIP Ryan Mallet‼️

— Todd Gurley II (@TG3II) June 27, 2023

Rest in peace Ryan Mallet! Gone way too soon, sending my condolences to his family !❤️

— James White (@SweetFeet_White) June 27, 2023

RIP Ryan Mallett. Gone way too soon man ????

— Matt Leinart (@MattLeinartQB) June 27, 2023

It’s being reported that Ryan Mallett drowned today. Send a prayer up for Ryan’s family and loved ones during this tragic time.

— Robert Griffin III (@RGIII) June 27, 2023