Ryan Mallett, a former quarterback for Arkansas and Michigan, passed away on Tuesday. Mallett, 35, drowned at a beach in Destin, Florida, and was later declared dead upon arrival at a nearby hospital.
First responders were called to the beach at around 2:00 p.m. ET after reports that some persons were having difficulty returning to the shore near the sandbar, according to the Okaloosa County Sheriff's Office. Mallett was unconscious when he was returned to the shore.
The Okaloosa County Sheriff's Office issued a statement saying that "one of the people, an adult male, went under and lifeguards say he was not breathing when he was pulled out." The man was declared dead at the Destin Emergency Room despite quick life-saving efforts.
Mallett started his professional career at Michigan before transferring to Arkansas following his first year. With 3,624 passing yards and 30 touchdowns in 2009, he became a star for the Razorbacks. In addition to beating East Carolina in the Liberty Bowl, he guided the Hogs to an 8-5 overall record.
Mallett improved much more the next year. He helped Arkansas to a 10-3 record, a spot in the Sugar Bowl, and a No. 12 ranking in the final AP Top 25 while throwing for 3,869 yards and 32 touchdowns. He received second-team All-SEC recognition for the second consecutive season because to his efforts. During his stint as the Razorbacks' starting quarterback, Mallett nearly broke every passing programme record.
In a tweet, Arkansas said, "We are shocked and saddened by the passing of Ryan Mallett." He was a Razorback legend with a demeanour to match his talent, which was out of this world. He guided our group through some of our most memorable occasions in recent years. Everyone who knew him will miss him. His mother Debbie and the rest of his family are in our thoughts and prayers.
Mallett was chosen by the New England Patriots in the third round of the 2010 NFL Draught. Later, he played with the Patriots (2011–13), Houston Texans (2014–15), and Baltimore Ravens (2015–17) for seven seasons in the NFL.
In a social media post, the Patriots organisation expressed their sympathy.
"The New England Patriots are deeply saddened to learn of the sudden and unexpected passing of former quarterback Ryan Mallett," the message stated. "Our thoughts are with the Mallett family, his exes, and everyone who is grieving his loss," the statement reads.
Mallett started coaching once his playing career was over. He was getting ready for his second season as the head coach of Arkansas' White Hall High School.