Former University of Arkansas standout and NFL journeyman Ryan Mallet has died at 35-years-old after drowning at a Florida beach.
Though the specific location has not been released yet, according to Deltaplexnews.com, Mallet reportedly was swimming off the coast when the drowning accident occurred. He was retrieved from the water and was rushed to a local hospital, but was pronounced dead once he arrived at the medical facility.
In the past couple of years, Mallet had stepped away from the NFL to coach football at the high school level. He first started as an assistant at White Hall High School in White Hall, Arkansas back in 2020, and had recently accepted the head coaching role in 2022.
Prior to the beginning of his coaching career, he played in the NFL from 2011 to 2017 for the Patriots, Ravens, and Texans. His natural talent and high-energy play always brought a spark to whatever team he suited up for professionally.
Mallet became a household name in college, where he played one year of collegiate football at Michigan before transferring to Arkansas for his three remaining years.
The quarterback really hit his stride with the Razorbacks, as he still holds the Arkansas Football all-time single-season record for passing touchdowns and passing yards, along with other impressive records for total touchdowns and total offense.
While at Arkansas, he was selected to the All-SEC Second Team twice and led the Razorbacks to many dramatic wins. His stellar play in college garnered attention from the NFL, which lead to his seven year career in the league.
After the tragic news, White Hall High School and the rest of the world has lost a true leader and role model of his sport.
Thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends, former teammates, players, and fans… a number of whom took to Twitter to share their condolences:
Said many times that Ryan Mallett was the best QB in Razorback history. Skill set unmatched. Great competitor & his teammates loved him. Some of this throws & moments are burned forever in my Hog memory. RIP one five. Razorback Nation forever grateful
pic.twitter.com/rbTNPXbZbF— John Nabors (@JohnNaborsShow) June 27, 2023
Horrible news to read about Ryan Mallett.
Gone way too soon.
Rest in Peace brother.
🙏🏼
— JJ Watt (@JJWatt) June 27, 2023
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
RIP Ryan Mallett.
Heartbreaking news. Prayers to his family, friends, and former teammates. pic.twitter.com/FXVWZfgvWt
— Unnecessary Roughness (@UnnecRoughness) June 27, 2023
RIP Ryan Mallett…..great person.
Legendary player 🙏🙏🙏— Dan Enos (@CoachDanEnos) June 27, 2023
Will never forget the impact Ryan Mallett made on my life. You’ll be missed, my friend. pic.twitter.com/E69yJTsA2h
— Jacob Davis (@JacobScottDavis) June 27, 2023
I’m am literally sick. Ryan Mallett was a great dude. He came on our show and I would often see him at different events. Always laughing and having fun. I have no words. I’m sick.
— Ugly Uncle (@uglyuncle) June 27, 2023
Absolutely crushed by the news that former Arkansas quarterback Ryan Mallett has passed after drowning in Floirda today. I just interviewed him here in Fayetteville last Wednesday and he was so happy about his life and being the head coach at White Hall. pic.twitter.com/GCk7PPhtkM
— Dudley E. Dawson (@Dedsports) June 27, 2023
