In a tragic incident, former NFL quarterback Ryan Mallett passed away at the age of 35 due to a drowning accident in Florida. The unfortunate incident occurred on a Tuesday and was reported by Deltaplex News. After the incident, Mallett was swiftly transported from the beach to a hospital, where he was later pronounced dead.
Ryan Mallett, before his untimely demise, was actively engaged in coaching. In 2022, he took on the role of head coach at White Hall High School in Arkansas, a position officially confirmed by the school district officials. This marked his second coaching opportunity, having previously served as an assistant coach at a high school in his home state.
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 professional career in the National Football League (NFL) commenced when he was chosen by the New England Patriots in the third round of the 2011 NFL Draft. Standing tall at 6-foot-6, Mallett predominantly served as a backup quarterback. Initially drafted to support the legendary Tom Brady, Mallett had limited opportunities on the field during his tenure with the Patriots, attempting only four passes. Following the Patriots’ selection of quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo in the second round of the 2014 NFL Draft, Mallett was subsequently traded to the Houston Texans.
During his time in Houston, Mallett began the 2014 season as a backup to Ryan Fitzpatrick but got a chance to start in two games before a pectoral injury prematurely ended his season. Despite the Texans’ decision not to retain Fitzpatrick, they re-signed Mallett to a two-year contract in March 2015. In the 2015 season, Mallett found himself in competition with his former Patriots teammate, Brian Hoyer, for the starting quarterback position, an engaging contest that was even documented in the TV show “Hard Knocks.” Although Hoyer initially won the starting role, he was eventually benched after just one game, and Mallett took over for the next four games. However, after missing a charter flight for a game in Miami in October 2015, Mallett was released by the Texans.
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
Subsequently, Mallett joined the Baltimore Ravens, concluding his NFL career as a backup to Joe Flacco. He had the opportunity to fill in for the injured Flacco during two games in the 2015 season and continued as a backup for two more seasons. Mallett’s professional journey in the NFL ultimately came to an end after the 2017 season.
Apart from his NFL accomplishments, Mallett was widely recognized for his impressive college football career, particularly as a standout player for the University of Arkansas. In 2010, he achieved a remarkable seventh place in the Heisman Trophy voting, following his impressive performance of throwing 32 touchdown passes and leading Arkansas to a notable 10-3 record. Prior to his time at Arkansas, Mallett played two seasons after being recruited from Michigan, accumulating an impressive total of 62 touchdown passes and 7,493 passing yards.
Ryan Mallett’s tragic passing leaves behind a legacy of both his coaching contributions and his achievements in the NFL and college football. He will be remembered for his dedication to the sport and the impact he made throughout his career.