Baltimore Ravens quarterback Ryan Mallett looks to pass during the first half of an NFL preseason football game against the Carolina Panthers on August 11, 2016 in Baltimore. Mallett, who played for New England, Houston and Baltimore during five seasons in the NFL, has passed away. He was 35 years old. According to the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office, Mallett apparently died of drowning. Mallett was a football coach at White Hall High School in his native Arkansas, and the school district also confirmed his death in a post on its website. (AP Photo/Nick Wass, File)
Former Arkansas quarterback Ryan Mallett dies of drowning at age 35
DESTIN, Florida (AP) – Former Arkansas quarterback Ryan Mallett, who also played for New England, Houston and Baltimore during five seasons in the NFL, has died. He was 35 years old.
According to the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office, Mallett apparently died of drowning. Mallett was a football coach at White Hall High School in his native Arkansas, and the school district also confirmed his death Tuesday in a post on its website.
Arkansas athletic director Hunter Yurachek said the university had “lost an incredibly special person.”
“Our thoughts and prayers are with Ryan Mallett’s family, friends and teammates,” Yurachek posted on Twitter.
Mallett played for the University of Michigan for one season before finishing his college career at Arkansas. He passed for 7,493 yards and 62 touchdowns in two seasons with the Razorbacks.
Mallett was selected by New England in the third round of the 2011 NFL Draft. He appeared in four games with the Patriots during the 2012 season, and completed 1 of 4 passes for 17 yards.
New England coach Bill Belichick said he was “deeply saddened by the tragic passing of Ryan.”
In a statement posted on Twitter by the team, Belichick said, “My thoughts and prayers are with his family and the many people whose lives he affected.”
Mallett made six starts in nine games with the Texans and two starts in eight games with the Ravens. He completed 190 of his 345 attempts for nine touchdowns, leading the NFL in 1,835 yards and 10 interceptions.
“Ryan was a part of us,” Ravens coach John Harbaugh said in a team Twitter post. “I will always remember his love for his teammates and thoroughly enjoy every football day I am here.”
In his first start on November 16, 2014, Mallett led Houston to a 23–7 victory in Cleveland. His first career TD pass was a 2-yarder to defensive end JJ Watt.
“Horrible news to read about Ryan Mallett,” Watt posted on Twitter. “Gone too soon. rest in peace brother.”
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