Ryan Mallett, Former NFL Quarterback, Dead At 35 After Tragic Drowning

Ryan Mallet, a former quarterback New England Patriots was tragically killed after drowning in Florida, Deadline confirms. He was 35. "The Okaloosa County Sheriff's Office is investigating an apparent drowning that claimed the life of a tourist in the Gulf of Mexico this afternoon," a June 27 Facebook post from the Okaloosa County Sheriff's office read. 

According to the post, Mallett, who was among a group of people caught in a wave was not breathing when he was pulled out from the water. Upon getting to the hospital, the NFL star was pronounced dead. "We send our heartfelt sympathies to his family, friends, and loved ones in his tragic passing," the department added.

Since the tragic news broke, Mallet's death has been met with an outpour of tributes from many of his former NFL colleagues, including Tom Brady, for whom he played backup. "We lost a great man, Thank you for everything Ryan," Brady poignantly wrote on his Instagram, per Fox News. 

JJ Watt, who played defensive end for Houston Texans also paid respect to his former teammate. "Horrible news to read about Ryan Mallett. Gone way too soon. Rest in Peace brother," Watt wrote in a tweet.

In 2011, Ryan Mallet was drafted into the NFL as the 74th overall pick by the New England Patriots. His draft was no surprise given that before going professional, Mallet had made a name for himself as a college player. According to ESPN, Mallet's collegiate career started back in 2007 when he joined the University of Michigan's football team. One year later, he transferred to Arkansas where he joined the Razorbacks. There, he played for two seasons, recording impressive a number of impressive feats including 62 touchdowns.

But of course, it was Mallet's time in the NFL that finally sealed his status as a star player. In 2012, only one year after joining the Patriots, Mallet was promoted to become Tom Brady's backup player — a position he held until the 2014 season when he was traded to the Houston Texans. After six years in the league, the ace quarterback retired from the NFL in 2017. And while that served as the end of his playing career, Mallet happily put on his coaching hat. 

At the time of his death, Mallet was serving as head coach of White Hall's football team. "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 team wrote in a statement. Mallet also previously served as assistant football coach at Mountain Home High School, Arkansas.