Ryan Mallett dies at 35: Ex-Arkansas, NFL QB reportedly drowns in Florida

Former Arkansas and Michigan quarterback Ryan Mallett died on Tuesday. Mallett, 35, was pronounced dead at a Florida hospital after being transported from a local beach where he apparently drowned, according to multiple reports. 

Arkansas athletic director Hunter Yurachek confirmed Mallet’s passing in a social media post on Tuesday.

“Our @RazorbackFB family lost an incredibly special person today,” Yurachek’s statement said . “Our thoughts and prayers are with the family, friends and teammates of Ryan Mallett. #OneRazorback”

Mallett began his career at Michigan and transferred to Arkansas after his freshman season. He emerged as a star for the Razorbacks in 2009, throwing for 3,624 yards and 30 touchdowns. He led the the Hogs to an 8-5 record that included a win over East Carolina in the Liberty Bowl.

Mallett was even better the following season. He threw for 3,869 yards and 32 touchdowns, leading Arkansas to a 10-3 record, a berth in the Sugar Bowl and a No. 12 finish in the final AP Top 25. That performance earned him second-team All-SEC honors for the second straight season. Mallett broke virtually every program passing record during his time under center with the Razorbacks. 

The New England Patriots selected Mallett in the third round of the 2010 NFL Draft. He went on to play seven seasons in the NFL with the Patriots (2011-13), Houston Texans (2014-15) and Baltimore Ravens (2015-17). 

The Patriots organization offered its condolences in a social media statement. 

“The New England Patriots are deeply saddened to learn of the sudden and unexpected passing of former quarterback Ryan Mallett,” the post read. “Our thoughts are with the Mallett family, his former teammates and all who are mourning his loss.”

Mallett turned to coaching after the end of his playing days. He was preparing for his second season as the head coach at White Hall High School in Arkansas.