DESTIN, FLORIDA: Former NFL and Arkansas quarterback Ryan Mallett has died at the age of 35 after an apparent drowning off the coast of Florida on Tuesday, June 27. Mallett, who played in the NFL with the New England Patriots, Houston Texans, and Baltimore Ravens, was on vacation with his girlfriend Madison Carter when he drowned offshore of Gulf Shore Drive in Destin, Florida, according to the Okaloosa Sheriff's Department.
The Sheriff’s Office told CBS News that Mallett was with a group of people in the water when he drowned while struggling to make it back to shore. He was reportedly not breathing when lifeguards pulled him out. The former NFL QB was immediately rushed to a nearby hospital after first responders were called to the area at 2.12 pm.
However, despite the doctor’s relentless efforts, he was pronounced dead at the Destin emergency room. Mallett was reported with up to 12 individuals when he was trapped in a riptide, according to Deltaplex News. Recent reports indicate that the Gulf Coast has seen very hazardous circumstances. CNN reported earlier on Tuesday that 11 individuals have died in rip currents in a two-week span.
Ryan Mallett’s Illustrious Career
The Okaloosa County Sheriff's Office confirmed Mallett's death in a statement, saying, "A tourist died in an apparent drowning offshore of Gulf Shore Drive in Destin. A group of individuals was reportedly struggling offshore when a man went under. He was not breathing when lifeguards found and pulled him out. Tragically lifesaving measures weren't successful. The victim is identified as 35-year-old Ryan Mallett of Arkansas. We send our heartfelt sympathies to his family, friends, and loved ones in his tragic passing."
Mallett started his collegiate playing career at Michigan before transferring to Arkansas, where he had two 30-TD seasons as a top player for the Razorbacks. He was selected in the 74 overall spot in the 2011 NFL Draught but slid to the Patriots in the third round, where he would support Tom Brady in 2012 and 2013. Mallett spent the 2013 season with the Pats before being traded to the Texans just ahead of the 2014 season. During his time with Houston, he started six games, his first start coming on November 16, 2014, against the Cleveland Browns. In the end, the Texans dismissed Mallett during the 2015 campaign, and the Ravens signed him to fill in for an injured Matt Schaub.
‘Coach Mallett was a beloved coach and educator’
In Week 16 of the 2015 season, Mallett memorably steered the Ravens to a thrilling 20-17 victory against the divisional foe Pittsburgh Steelers while he was a member of the team, according to NFL. Over the course of his NFL career, Mallett participated in 21 games, finishing 3-5 as a starter, amassing 1,835 passing yards, nine touchdown passes, and 10 interceptions. After wrapping up his career in 2017, Mallett was serving as the head football coach at White Hall (Arkansas) High, having coached his first season in 2022.
"It is with great sadness that we share the loss of Coach Ryan Mallett," White Hall School District said in a statement on Tuesday. "Coach Mallett was a beloved coach and educator. We ask that you remember his family, team, students, fellow coaches, and the White Hall School District staff in your prayers."
