Former NFL QB Ryan Mallett Dies in Drowning Accident

The former quarterback spent six years in the NFL.

Former Michigan and Arkansas quarterback Ryan Mallett died Tuesday after drowning in Florida. He was 35 years old. 

The news first was reported by Deltaplex News in Pine Bluff, Ark. According to the Deltaplex News report, Mallett was transported from a beach to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

The news was confirmed by Skip Carr, assistant principal at White Hall (Ark.) High School, where Mallett served as head football coach, per KHTV in Little Rock. The drowning occurred in the waters off Gulf Shore Drive in Destin, according to the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office. 

Mallett began his college career at Michigan, spending his freshman year as the backup to Chad Henne. After the season, Mallett transferred to Arkansas, where he would start 26 games in 2009 and ’10.

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In his time with the Razorbacks, Mallett threw for over 3,600 yards in each season, totaling 62 touchdowns to just 19 interceptions. He played in two bowl games for Arkansas, a Liberty Bowl win over East Carolina and a Sugar Bowl loss to Ohio State.

In 2011, the Patriots drafted Mallett in the third round, but he only played in four games in two seasons before they traded him to the Texans. Between New England, Houston and the Ravens, Mallett played in 21 NFL games, with eight career starts. Mallett totaled just nine touchdown passes and 10 interceptions before retiring.

After his playing career, Mallett began coaching, first as an assistant at Mountain Home High School in Arkansas. In 2022, he was named head coach at White Hall High.

“It is with great sadness that we share the loss of Coach Ryan Mallett,” the White Hall School District said in a statement. “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.”