Former Arkansas quarterback Ryan Mallett, known for his time with the New England Patriots, Houston Texans, and Baltimore Ravens during his five seasons in the NFL, has tragically passed away at the age of 35.
According to the Okaloosa (FL) County Sheriff’s Office, Mallett’s death appears to be the result of drowning, with early reports indicating he became caught in a rip current, and was unable to escape. The news of his passing was confirmed by the White Hall High School, where Mallett served as a football coach in his home state of Arkansas. The school district expressed its condolences in a post on its official website on Tuesday.
Hunter Yurachek, the athletic director at the University of Arkansas, expressed deep sorrow at the loss, describing Mallett as an “incredibly special person” in a Twitter post. Yurachek extended his thoughts and prayers to Mallett’s family, friends, and former teammates.
Mallett began his college career at the University of Michigan before transferring to the University of Arkansas. During his time with the Razorbacks, he amassed an impressive record, passing for 7,493 yards and 62 touchdowns over two seasons.
In the 2011 NFL draft, Mallett was selected by the New England Patriots in the third round. He made appearances in four games with the team during the 2012 season, completing 1 of 4 passes for 17 yards. Patriots coach Bill Belichick expressed deep sadness at Mallett’s passing, conveying his condolences to the family and the many lives Mallett touched in a statement shared on Twitter by the team.
Mallett later had opportunities to showcase his talent as a starting quarterback, making six starts in nine games with the Houston Texans and two starts in eight appearances with the Baltimore Ravens. Throughout his NFL career, he completed 190 of his 345 pass attempts, accumulating 1,835 yards, nine touchdowns, and ten interceptions.
The Ravens’ head coach, John Harbaugh, shared a heartfelt tribute to Mallett on Twitter, emphasizing his impact on the team and his unwavering love for his teammates and the game of football.
Mallett’s first start in the NFL on November 16, 2014, resulted in a memorable 23-7 victory for the Houston Texans over the Cleveland Browns. Notably, his first career touchdown pass was a 2-yard completion to defensive end J.J. Watt.
Upon hearing the news, J.J. Watt expressed his deep sorrow on Twitter, describing Mallett’s passing as “horrible” and emphasizing that he was taken away too soon. Watt concluded his message by wishing Mallett to rest in peace.
