By Kate McGreavy and Jake Nisse for Dailymail.Com
23.30 27 June 2023, updated 02.09 28 June 2023
- Former football player Ryan Mallett has died after drowning
- The former New England Patriots quarterback was only 35 years old
- DailyMail.com provides all the latest international sports news
Former footballer Ryan Mallett has passed away at the age of 35.
Mallett, who played in the NFL with the New England Patriots, Houston Texans and Baltimore Ravens, drowned in Destin, Florida, according to the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office.
Mallett was on vacation with his girlfriend Madison Carter, KNWA reported. The ex-player became Facebook official with Carter less than a month ago, on June 1.
“A tourist died in an apparent drowning off Gulf Shore Drive in Destin,” the Sheriff’s Office said in a statement Tuesday night.
‘A group of people were reportedly fighting offshore when one man went under.
“He was not breathing when lifeguards found and pulled him out. Tragically, life-saving measures were not successful.
‘The victim has been identified as 35-year-old Ryan Mallett from Arkansas. We send our deepest condolences to his family, friends and loved ones on his tragic passing.’
Deltaplex news first reported the tragedy on Tuesday before the Patriots and NFL confirmed the news and offered tributes.
Mallett was taken from a beach in Florida to the hospital after first responders were called to the area at 14.12. He was pronounced dead at the emergency room in Destin.
“The New England Patriots are deeply saddened to learn of the sudden and unexpected passing of former quarterback Ryan Mallett,” the team wrote on Twitter.
‘Our thoughts go out to the Mallett family, his former teammates and all who mourn his loss.’
Legendary Patriots coach Bill Belichick offered a similar sentiment, saying: ‘I am extremely saddened by the tragic passing of Ryan. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family and the many people whose lives he touched.’
Mallett played in the NFL from 2011 to 2017 after a college career with Michigan and Arkansas, throwing for 62 touchdowns in two seasons with the Razorbacks.
He returned to the latter state to coach at White Hall High School, assuming the role in February 2022.
“It is with great sadness that we share the loss of coach Ryan Mallett,” the White Hall School District said in a statement Tuesday.
‘Coach Mallett was a beloved coach and teacher. We ask that you remember his family, team, students, fellow coaches and the White Hall School District staff in your prayers.’
“We are shocked and saddened by the passing of Ryan Mallett,” the Arkansas football program wrote on Twitter.
‘He was a Razorback legend with a 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 all who knew him. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his mother Debbie and his extended family.’
Recent reports indicate that there have been extremely hazardous conditions along the Gulf Coast, with CNN reported Tuesday that 11 people have died in rip currents over two weeks.
Mallett was teammates with legendary quarterback Tom Brady for two seasons after he was drafted in the third round 12 years ago.
The former Razorback also shared a locker room for two seasons with JJ Watt while both players were with the Texans.
And the legendary defensive end honored his former teammate on Twitter Tuesday night.
“Terrible news to read about Ryan Mallett,” he said. ‘Leave way too early. Rest in peace brother.’
ESPN analyst and former Colts player Pat McAfee also paid tribute to Mallett.
“Man…rest in peace Ryan Mallett,” he wrote. ‘I had the opportunity to have a few beers with Ryan and I always appreciated his kindness.
‘WE NEVER KNOW WHEN OUR TIME WILL COME… life is limited. Let us never forget that.’
Former Patriots running back James White (not a teammate of Mallet), ex-Steelers defensive back Ryan Clark and ex-Ravens wide receiver Torrey Smith also offered their condolences.
Arkansas Director of Athletics Hunter Yurachek added: ‘Our @RazorbackFB family lost an incredibly special person today. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Ryan Mallett’s family, friends and teammates.’
Ex-Patriots receiver Julian Edelman wrote on Twitter: ‘Hard to swallow. Thoughts are with the family.’
Mallett revealed last month that he had always wanted to move in as a coach.
“Everyone in my family – my father and his brothers – go with coaches,” he shared Whole Hog Sport. ‘Coach Mallett, that’s all I ever heard. I was supposed to be a coach.
‘My job is to help mold and shape young people. This is the time when many of them find out about themselves. I hope I can help them.
“I hope I’m a man now,” he said. “I’m 35. It’s halfway to 70.”