In a heart-wrenching turn of events, Ryan Mallett, a former NFL quarterback and a third-round pick of the Patriots in 2011, has tragically lost his life in a drowning accident near Destin, Florida, as reported by the reputable Arkansas-based website Deltaplex News on Tuesday.
At the age of 35, Mallett was found lifeless after being transported from a beach to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead upon arrival, according to sources close to the incident.
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
Mallett’s football journey began with a single college season at Michigan before he truly shined at Arkansas from 2008 to 2010, captivating the attention of scouts across the nation. It was during the 2011 NFL Draft that the Patriots saw his potential and selected him.
Throughout his career, which concluded in 2017, Mallett made appearances in 21 games, including eight starts, representing the Patriots, Texans, and Ravens. Bill Belichick, the head coach of the Patriots, expressed his profound sorrow in a statement released by the team, saying, “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.”
Our @RazorbackFB family lost an incredibly special person today. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family, friends and teammates of Ryan Mallett. #OneRazorback pic.twitter.com/cpo3WcjMoj
— Hunter Yurachek (@HunterYurachek) June 27, 2023
Former NFL teammates of Mallett also shared their sorrow on social media. Julian Edelman, a former Patriots receiver, tweeted, “Tough one to swallow. Thoughts are with the family.” James White, a longstanding running back for the New England team, wrote, “Rest in peace Ryan Mallet! Gone way too soon, sending my condolences to his family!”
Since February of the previous year, Mallett had transitioned to a new role as the head football coach at White Hall High School in Arkansas. In an interview with Whole Hog Sports last month, he reflected on his personal growth and transformation as a coach, stating, “I hope I’m a man now. I’m 35. That’s halfway to 70. I did a lot of things as a kid. I know how to conduct my business now. My job is to help shape and mold young people. This is the time a lot of them are finding out about themselves. I hope I can help them.”
Mallett revealed that coaching was a natural progression for him, following in the footsteps of his family. He explained, “Everyone in my family — my dad and his brothers — go by Coach. Coach Mallett, that’s all I’ve ever heard. I was going to be a coach. I started going to practices as a toddler. My earliest memory of a practice was going to one of my dad’s practices and I climbed on the blocking rack and got my head stuck. I was hanging from my head and they had to pull me out.” He also acknowledged the influence of his football mentors, saying, “I learned offense from Coach [Bobby] Petrino. I learned defense from Coach Belichick. I had good leadership at Mountain Home the last few years. I learned about the importance of community and how to talk to parents. I learned to explain their child’s talents. You have to explain they might not be a DI athlete. They all believe they are.”
The untimely passing of Ryan Mallett has left a void in the football community and the hearts of those who knew him. As we remember his achievements on the field and his dedication to shaping young athletes, let us keep his family and loved ones in our thoughts during this immensely difficult time.
RIP.
