Who Is Ryan Mallett? Former NFL Quarterback Ryan Mallett’s Shocking Tragedy

By James Mercado On Jul 17, 2023

Ryan Mallett is a former professional American football quarterback. He was born on June 5, 1988, in Batesville, Arkansas. Before entering the NFL, Mallett played college football for the University of Arkansas Razorbacks.

During his college career, Mallett set numerous records and earned various accolades for his strong arm and passing abilities. He was known for his size, arm strength, and pocket presence, which made him a highly sought-after quarterback prospect.

In the 2011 NFL Draft, Ryan Mallett was selected in the third round as the 74th overall pick by the New England Patriots. He served as a backup quarterback for the Patriots from 2011 to 2013, primarily playing behind Tom Brady.

After his time with the Patriots, Mallett played for several teams in the NFL, including the Houston Texans, Baltimore Ravens, and Detroit Lions. However, he primarily served as a backup quarterback throughout his professional career and did not establish himself as a long-term starting quarterback in the league.

Former NFL quarterback Ryan Mallett D!es At 35

Former NFL and Arkansas quarterback Ryan Mallett was pronounced deαd at a hospital after an apparent drowning off the coast of Florida on Tuesday. Mallett was 35.

“The Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office is investigating an apparent drowning that claimed the life of a tourist in the Gulf of Mexico this afternoon. First responders were called to the beach behind 775 Gulf Shore Drive in Destin around 2:12 p.m. A group of people in the water near the second sandbar had reportedly been struggling to make their way back to shore,” according to USA TODAY Sports.

“One of the individuals, an adult male, went under and lifeguards say he was not breathing when pulled out. Lifesaving measures were immediately undertaken but the man was pronounced deceased at the Destin Emergency Room. We do not have confirmation at this time of next of kin notification.”

Mallett became the head football coach at White Hall (Arkansas) High School last year.

“It is with great sadness that we share the loss of Coach Ryan Mallett. Coach Mallett was a beloved coach and educator,” White Hall School District stated. “We ask that you remember his family, team, students, fellow coaches, and the White Hall School District staff in your prayers.”

The football team for the Arkansas Razorbacks said in a statement that it was “shocked and saddened” by Mallett’s passing. 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.”

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… pic.twitter.com/aYlMOBkHAV

— Arkansas Razorback Football (@RazorbackFB) June 27, 2023

For the New England Patriots, Houston Texans, and Baltimore Ravens, Mallett played five NFL seasons. After two outstanding seasons at Arkansas, he became a household name in college football.

“The New England Patriots are deeply saddened to learn of the sudden and unexpected passing of former quarterback Ryan Mallett,” the Patriots stated. “Our thoughts are with the Mallett family, his former teammates and all who are mourning his loss.”

The NFL also issued a statement, which read:“The NFL family is deeply saddened by the passing of Ryan Mallett. Our thoughts are with his family and loved ones.”

Mallett joined Arkansas from Michigan in 2008. He dominated the SEC during Tim Tebow’s reign after a year of NCAA transfer regulations. In 2009 and 2010, he topped the conference in throwing yards and touchdowns with at least 3600 and 30.

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Mallett was a second-team All-SEC selection in 2009 and 2010, behind Heisman winners Tebow and Cam Newton. 2010 Heisman vote seventh.

Mallett entered the 2011 NFL draft. He was heading toward a first-round pick. The Patriots selected Mallett in the third round to back QB Tom Brady. Mallett was dealt to the Texans after two seasons backing up Brady.

Houston’s 2014 rookie started two games. Mallett passed for 211 yards and two touchdowns in his first game but tore his pectoral muscle the following week.

After beginning in Week 2, he threw 472 yards and two touchdowns. Mallett was benched in Week 4 following a blowout loss and terminated four weeks after missing a charter flight to Miami.

After Flacco’s season-ending injury, the Ravens signed Mallett in December 2015. In his two Ravens starts, he passed for career-high yards. He retired in October 2017 after two seasons as Flacco’s backup.