Ryan Mallett, a former NFL quarterback, has been reported dead after an incident in the Gulf of Mexico.
The Man Who Died in Apparent Drowning
About 50 miles east of Pensacola in Florida's panhandle, around 2:12 PM local time on Tuesday, June 27, the Okaloosa County Sheriff's Office and first responders were summoned to a beach in Destin to assist a group of persons who had been in the water along a sandbar and were trying to return to shore.
The Okaloosa County Sheriff's Office said in a Facebook statement that "one of the individuals, an adult male, went under, and lifeguards say he was not breathing when pulled out."
The man was rushed to the emergency room at Destin, where he was declared dead despite the best efforts of the medical staff.
Although police could not immediately identify the guy who had died in the apparent drowning, they later updated their report to say that the deceased man had been confirmed to be 35-year-old former NFL quarterback Ryan Mallett.
Mallett was a seven-year NFL veteran. According to ABC News, he was drafted by the New England Patriots in the 74th round of the 2011 NFL Draft out of the University of Arkansas to back up then-seven-time Super Bowl winner Tom Brady.
Mallett's final NFL game was in 2017, and he had previously played for the Houston Texans and Baltimore Ravens.
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The Sports Community Mourned the Tragic News
In a tweet, the Arkansas football team expressed their shock and sadness after the loss 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."
In the wake of Mallett's passing, several of his former NFL teammates also sent tributes to the star quarterback on various social media platforms.
New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick was reportedly moved to tears by the news of Ryan's death. "My thoughts and prayers are with [Mallett's] family and the many people whose lives he touched," he remarked.
Baltimore Ravens head coach John Harbaugh said in a statement, "Our hearts go out to Ryan's family and we offer every condolence to them today. Ryan was a part of us."
"Gone way too soon. Rest in Peace, brother," Retired defensive end J.J. Watt also tweeted.
White Hall, the Arkansas school district where Mallett coached high school football before his death, expressed grief on its website. "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 concluded his NFL career having appeared in 21 games (8 as a starter) and having completed 190 of 345 passes for 1,835 yards, nine touchdowns, and ten interceptions.
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