Former footballs star Ryan Mallett dies at 35
Football fans were shocked this week to learn that former star Ryan Mallett had passed away at the age of 35.
According to Breitbart, Mallett was rushed to a Destin, Florida hospital on Tuesday after he drowned while swimming at a local beach.
Mallett's NFL career spanned seven years
The website noted that Mallett enjoyed a distinguished career, including playing as quarterback for the University of Michigan and the University of Arkansas.
After graduating from the University of Arkansas, Mallett was chosen to be Tom Brady’s backup with the New England Patriots in 2010.
His NFL career went on to span seven years and included stints with the Houston Texans as well as the Baltimore Ravens.
Breitbart added that Mallett took up coaching after he left professional football and was set to start his second year as head football coach at White Hall High School in his native Arkansas.
Alma mater praised Mallett for his "larger-than-life talent"
The University of Arkansas put out a statement on Twitter that read, "We are shocked and saddened by the passing of Ryan Mallett."
The college recalled how Mallett "was a Razorback legend with larger-than-life talent and a personality to match" who "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," the statement concluded.
We are shocked and saddened by the passing of Ryan Mallett. 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… pic.twitter.com/aYlMOBkHAV
— Arkansas Razorback Football (@RazorbackFB) June 27, 2023
NFL "deeply saddened" by Mallett's passing
The NFL released a statement of its own, saying, "The NFL family is deeply saddened by the passing of Ryan Mallett. Our thoughts are with his family and loved ones."
The NFL family is deeply saddened by the passing of Ryan Mallett. Our thoughts are with his family and loved ones. pic.twitter.com/FvdhQmrTh6
— NFL (@NFL) June 27, 2023
The New England Patriots spoke up as well, declaring that the team's "thoughts are with the Mallett family, his former teammates and all who are mourning his loss."
The New England Patriots are deeply saddened to learn of the sudden and unexpected passing of former quarterback Ryan Mallett.
Our thoughts are with the Mallett family, his former teammates and all who are mourning his loss. pic.twitter.com/TUpa7cpXoS
— New England Patriots (@Patriots) June 27, 2023