Tragic Passing of Former Arkansas Quarterback Ryan Mallett at Age 35 in Apparent Drowning
Former Arkansas Quarterback Ryan Mallett Passes Away at Age 35 in Tragic Apparent Drowning
DESTIN, Fla. (AP) — Ryan Mallett, a former Arkansas quarterback who had stints with the New England Patriots, Houston Texans, and Baltimore Ravens during his five-season NFL career, has tragically passed away at the age of 35.
According to the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office, Mallett’s death appears to be the result of a drowning. The White Hall High School, where Mallett served as a football coach in his hometown of Arkansas, also confirmed his passing in a statement on their website on Tuesday.
Expressing their condolences, Arkansas athletic director Hunter Yurachek acknowledged the loss of a truly exceptional individual. Yurachek took to Twitter to convey his sympathies, stating, “Our thoughts and prayers are with the family, friends, and teammates of Ryan Mallett.”
Mallett began his college career at the University of Michigan before transferring to Arkansas. During his time with the Razorbacks, he amassed an impressive record of 7,493 passing yards and 62 touchdowns over two seasons.
The New England Patriots selected Mallett in the third round of the 2011 NFL draft. He appeared in four games during the 2012 season, completing 1 of 4 passes for 17 yards. Upon learning of Mallett’s tragic passing, New England coach Bill Belichick expressed his deep sorrow. In a statement shared by the team on Twitter, Belichick said, “I am extremely saddened by Ryan’s tragic passing. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and the many people whose lives he touched.”
Mallett went on to make 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 10 interceptions.
