Former NFL quarterback Ryan Mallett died in a drowning accident in Florida on Tuesday.
Mallett, who was 35, was the head football coach at White Hall High School in Arkansas since 2022. Previously, he’d been a quarterback at both Michigan and Arkansas, and he played five seasons in the NFL for the Patriots, Texans and Ravens.
The news of his passing took both the college football and NFL worlds by storm, as fans, former teammates and coaches, and others mourned Mallett’s death.
Among those to weigh in and share their condolences were former teammate and recipient of Mallett’s first-career touchdown pass, J.J. Watt, as well as Bill Belichick, who coached Mallett as a rookie back in 2012.
Horrible news to read about Ryan Mallett.
— JJ Watt (@JJWatt) June 27, 2023
Gone way too soon.
Rest in Peace brother.
🙏🏼
Bill Belichick on the passing of Ryan Mallett. pic.twitter.com/3Yz2U6F8Yd
— New England Patriots (@Patriots) June 27, 2023
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
RIP Ryan Mallett. Gone way too soon man 💔
— Matt Leinart (@MattLeinartQB) June 27, 2023
RIP 15. Ryan Mallett Once a Hog Always a Hog My guy. 🐗🐗🐗 #WPS
— Ronnie Brewer (@RonnieBrewerJr) June 27, 2023
Man…
— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) June 27, 2023
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
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
RIP to a great Arkansas and Patriots teammate, Ryan Mallett. Praying for God’s peace upon his family and loved ones. pic.twitter.com/rKN3s7GIJQ
— Jake Bequette (@JakeBequette91) June 27, 2023
It’s being reported that Ryan Mallett drowned today. Send a prayer up for Ryan’s family and loved ones during this tragic time.
— Robert Griffin III (@RGIII) June 27, 2023
RIP Ryan Mallett…..great person.
— Dan Enos (@CoachDanEnos) June 27, 2023
Legendary player 🙏🙏🙏
Man, this is so upsetting.
— Greg McElroy (@GregMcElroy) June 27, 2023
People will remember his arm talent and what a great player he was, but I’ll remember the person. Such a fun guy to be around and he always knew how to make you laugh.
RIP Brother. We will be praying for your family and those closest to you. https://t.co/hyCsubYEas