Former NFL quarterback Ryan Mallett has passed away after an apparent drowning accident in Florida. Mallett, 35, was swimming in Destin, Florida, where he was found unresponsive and was taken to a hospital and pronounced dead on arrival.
The National Football League released a brief statement on Twitter, giving their thoughts and prayers to the Mallett family, “The NFL family is deeply saddened by the passing of Ryan Mallett. Our thoughts are with his family and loved ones.”
The NFL family is deeply saddened by the passing of Ryan Mallett. Our thoughts are with his family and loved ones. pic.twitter.com/FvdhQmrTh6
— NFL (@NFL) June 27, 2023
Mallett was a standout at the University of Arkansas before being drafted in the third round of the NFL draft by the New England Patriots. The Patriots organization had the following to say about the tragedy, “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.”
Legendary head coach Bill Belichick also released a statement after having coached Mallett for many years in the Patriots organization. “I am extremely saddened by Ryan’s tragic passing,” Belichick said. “My thoughts and prayers are with his family and the many people whose lives he touched.”
Bill Belichick on the passing of Ryan Mallett. pic.twitter.com/3Yz2U6F8Yd
— New England Patriots (@Patriots) June 27, 2023
Mallett was an Arkansas Razorbacks legend, having led the team to great seasons while he was under center. The school’s official Twitter account went into more detail about the impact that he had on the university, saying, “We are shocked and saddened by the passing of Ryan Mallett. He was a Razorback legend with larger-than-life talent and a personality to match. He led our program to some of our best moments in recent memory. He will be missed by everyone who knew him. Our thoughts and prayers are with his mother Debbie and his extended family.”
To some, the loss of such a great young man is a stark reminder of the harsh realities of life. For Pat McAfee, former NFL punter and current sports talk show host, this tragedy has made him think of his own mortality and the fleeting nature of life on earth.
“Rest Easy Ryan Mallett.. I had the opportunity to have a few beers with Ryan and I always appreciated his kindness,” said McAfee. “WE NEVER KNOW WHEN OUR TIME IS COMING… life is finite. Let’s never forget that.”
Man…
Rest Easy Ryan Mallett.. I had the opportunity to have a few beers with Ryan and I always appreciated his kindness.
WE NEVER KNOW WHEN OUR TIME IS COMING… life is finite. Let’s never forget that. pic.twitter.com/LAhBJ1xnU5
— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) June 27, 2023
Tom Brady, who shared the practice field with Mallett for a few years in New England, gave his thoughts in an Instagram Story that evening. “We lost a great man. Thank you for everything Ryan,” Brady said. “Praying for the Mallett family and all their loved ones tonight.”
As this tragic loss haunts the NFL world over the next few days, it should serve as a reminder to hold your loved ones a little bit closer today. If a young healthy man like Mallett could be called home so unexpectedly, then there truly is no time to waste in saying “I love you” to those closest in your life.
Featured image: Keith Allison, CC BY-SA 2.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0>, via Wikimedia Commons
"*" indicates required fields