Former NFL, Arkansas QB Ryan Mallett dies from drowning at 35
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[June 28, 2023]
Ryan Mallett, who parlayed a successful two-year stint at
Arkansas into a seven-year career as a backup quarterback in the
NFL, drowned in Northern Florida on Tuesday. He was 35.
Mallett played in the NFL from 2011-2017 and later became a high
school football coach in Arkansas. Last fall was his first season as
the head coach of White Hall High School in White Hall, Ark.
The superintendent of White Hall School District confirmed the news
to KNWA in Fayetteville, Ark.
Mallett was vacationing in Florida with his girlfriend. Multiple
reports said Mallett was rushed to a local hospital before being
pronounced dead, and other details are not yet known.
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Mallett transferred to Arkansas in 2008 after spending his freshman
season at Michigan. He took over the Razorbacks' job in 2009 and
racked up 7,493 yards, 62 touchdowns and a 60.3 completion
percentage over the next two seasons, with 19 interceptions.
In 2010, he finished seventh in Heisman Trophy voting after throwing
for 3,869 yards, 32 touchdowns and 12 interceptions with a 64.7
completion percentage.
"We are shocked and saddened by the passing of Ryan Mallett,"
Arkansas football wrote on its Twitter account. "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 with his mother Debbie and his extended family."
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The New England Patriots drafted Mallett in the
third round of the 2011 draft, and he saw little time for them while
backing up Tom Brady. He was traded to the Houston Texans ahead of
the 2014 season and got into nine games for Houston, starting six,
over parts of two seasons with the team.
"The New England Patriots are deeply saddened to
learn of the sudden and unexpected passing of former quarterback
Ryan Mallett," the Patriots said in a tweet. "Our thoughts are with
the Mallett family, his former teammates and all who are mourning
his loss."
"I am extremely saddened by Ryan's tragic passing," Patriots coach
Bill Belichick said in a statement. "My thoughts and prayers are
with his family and the many people whose lives he touched."
Added Texans legend J.J. Watt, a former teammate of Mallett:
"Horrible news to read about Ryan Mallett. Gone way too soon. Rest
in Peace brother."
In 21 career games (eight starts) for New England, Houston and the
Baltimore Ravens, Mallett threw for 1,835 yards, nine TDs and 10
picks.
--Field Level Media
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