Former NFL quarterback Ryan Mallett has died aged 35 after drowning in Florida on Tuesday.
Mallett, who played for the New England Patriots during a seven-year NFL career, was taken from a beach to a nearby hospital, where he was pronounced dead, according to Deltaplex News.
"The New England Patriots are deeply saddened to learn of the sudden and unexpected passing of former quarterback Ryan Mallett," a team statement read. "Our thoughts are with the Mallett family, his former teammates and all who are mourning his loss.”
The Arkansas-born and raised Mallett started his college career at the University of Michigan in 2007 before transferring to the Arkansas Razorbacks in 2008, spending two years as the starting QB and winning the Liberty Bowl in 2009.
Mallett, who many considered the greatest quarterback in Arkansas' history, finished seventh in voting for the Heisman Trophy the following year as he completed a fine collegiate career and headed to the NFL.
He was drafted in the third round by the Patriots in 2011 and was Tom Brady's backup in Foxborough, Massachusetts. He featured in four games before being traded to the Houston Texans in 2014. He later signed for the Baltimore Ravens where he saw occasional action as a backup until 2017, which was the last time he played in the NFL.
Since the end of his playing career, Mallett turned his hand to coaching and in 2022 he became the head coach at White Hall High School in his native Arkansas.
"It is with great sadness that we share the loss of Coach Ryan Mallett," a White Hall School District spokesman said. "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."
A University of Arkansas spokesman said: "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 with his mother Debbie and his extended family."
NFL legend JJ Watt, who played with Mallett in Houston, tweeted: "Horrible news to read about Ryan Mallett. Gone way too soon. Rest in Peace brother."
An NFL spokesman said: "The NFL family is deeply saddened by the passing of Ryan Mallett. Our thoughts are with his family and loved ones."
