The football community is mourning the death of Ryan Mallett, the former NFL quarterback who died in a drowning accident on Tuesday.
Mallett starred for the University of Arkansas Razorbacks from 2008-10.
“Our @RazorbackFB family lost an incredibly special person today,” Hunter Yurachek, the director of athletics at the school, said in a tweet. “Our thoughts and prayers are with the family, friends and teammates of Ryan Mallett. #OneRazorback.”
The New England Patriots, who drafted Mallett in the third round of the 2011 NFL Draft, wrote that the franchise is “deeply saddened” by the QB’s tragic passing.
His former Patriots teammates were similarly stunned by the news.
Several of Mallett’s ex-Patriots teammate expressed their sorrow at his shocking passing. Boston Globe via Getty Images“Tough one to swallow,” ex-New England wideout Julian Edelman tweeted. “Thoughts are with the family. #RIPRyanMallet.”
“Rest in peace Ryan Mallet!” James White, another former Patriots teammate, tweeted. “Gone way too soon, sending my condolences to his family !”
Mallett also suited up for the Houston Texans and Baltimore Ravens over a five-season NFL career, going 3-5-0 in eight starts over 21 total appearances.
Mallett starred at Arkansas before the Patriots drafted him in 2011. Getty Images“Horrible news to read about Ryan Mallett,” retired All-Pro defensive ends J.J. Watt, who caught Mallett’s first career touchdown pass in 2014 with the Texans, tweeted.
“Gone way too soon. Rest in Peace brother.”
Former NFL punter-turned-ESPN host Pat McAfee paid tribute to Mallett — and used his memory as a reminder.
“Man…Rest Easy Ryan Mallett..,” McAfee wrote on Twitter. “I had the opportunity to have a few beers with Ryan and I always appreciated his kindness. WE NEVER KNOW WHEN OUR TIME IS COMING… life is finite. Let’s never forget that.”
Ryan Mallett died on Tuesday after drowning in Florida. Getty ImagesMallett has settled into life as a high school football coach after his career ended in 2017, teaching the next generation of football hopefuls.
He took over as coach at White Hall High School in Feb. 2022.
“It is with great sadness that we share the loss of Coach Ryan Mallett,” the school district said in a statement, per ESPN. “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.”
