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Former Arkansas, Patriots QB Ryan Mallett dead at 35 after drowning in Florida

By Cody Williams

NEW ORLEANS, LA - JANUARY 04: Ryan Mallett #15 of the Arkansas Razorbacks looks to pass in the first half against the Ohio State Buckeyes during the Allstate Sugar Bowl at the Louisiana Superdome on January 4, 2011 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)
NEW ORLEANS, LA - JANUARY 04: Ryan Mallett #15 of the Arkansas Razorbacks looks to pass in the first half against the Ohio State Buckeyes during the Allstate Sugar Bowl at the Louisiana Superdome on January 4, 2011 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images) /
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Arkansas Razorbacks legend and former Patriots QB Ryan Mallett tragically passed away on Tuesday, drowning at a Florida beach. He was 35 years old. 

Former Arkansas football quarterback and New England Patriots draft pick Ryan Mallett passed away on Tuesday at the age of 35.

According to reports, Mallett was at a beach in Destin, FL when he drowned. Details of the incident that led to his passing have not been revealed.

The White Hall School District confirmed the tragic news in a statement, via ESPN:

"“It is with great sadness that we share the loss of Coach Ryan Mallett. 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.”"

Mallett was hired as the head football coach at White Hall High School in White Hall, AR in 2022 after serving as an assistant coach at Mountain Home High School, also in Arkansas, for two years.

Ryan Mallett dead at 35 after drowning in Destin, Florida

Mallett initially committed to Michigan out of high school but transferred to Arkansas, where he earned the starting job in 2009 as a redshirt sophomore. In two seasons as the Razorbacks’ starter, he threw for 62 touchdown and more than 7,000 yards while setting numerous school records. He also finished seventh in Heisman Trophy voting for the 2010 season after leading Arkansas to the Sugar Bowl.

He entered the 2011 NFL Draft, foregoing his redshirt senior year, and was drafted 74th overall by the New England Patriots. Mallett spent two years in Foxborough, 1.5 seasons with the Houston Texans, and 2.5 years with the Baltimore Ravens. In his NFL career, he made eight starts and 21 appearances, throwing for 1,853 yards, nine touchdowns and 10 interceptions.

As mentioned, he’d been a high school football coach for the last three years of his life in his native Arkansas.

Thoughts and prayers are with all of Ryan Mallett’s friends and family at this tragic time. May he rest in peace.

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