The football world is mourning the loss of former NFL quarterback Ryan Mallett, who tragically drowned at a beach in Destin, Florida on Tuesday.
In an update on their Facebook page, the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office stated that a group of swimmers were struggling to make it back to shore. Lifeguards saw Mallett go under, and they claimed he was not breathing when they pulled Mallett out.
Mallett was rushed to a local hospital but was pronounced on arrival.
Mallett’s former teammate, Tom Brady, posted a photo of the two together during a New England Patriots’ practice with a caption that read, “We lost a great man. Thank you for everything Ryan. Praying for the Mallett family an all their loved ones tonight.”
The former Arkansas product was drafted in the third round (74th overall) by the New England Patriots in 2011. Mallett was widely viewed as a potential successor to Brady in Foxborough, but New England wound up trading the former to the Houston Texans ahead of the 2014 season.
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Mallett started two games for the Texans in 2014, throwing two touchdowns and as many interceptions. Memorably, Mallett’s first career touchdown pass was to none other than defensive end J.J. Watt:
Mallett’s final NFL season was with the Baltimore Ravens in 2017, where he served as a backup to Joe Flacco. Last year, he was named the new head coach of the White Hall High School football team in White Hall, Arkansas.
Our condolences to Mallett’s family and loved ones.
