Former NFL quarterback, Ryan Mallett, 35, died in an accident at the beach in Destin, Florida on June 27.
The Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office reported that Mallett was attempting to swim to a sandbar in the Gulf of Mexico when he ran into difficulties and drowned.
Emergency services were alerted to the situation by a beach attendant who called 911 after observing that Mallett and a group of five other swimmers were struggling to return to the shore.
Two lifeguards at the scene attempted to assist Mallett when he submerged beneath the water, but unfortunately, their efforts were unsuccessful.
The Sheriff’s Office stated that there were no rip currents at the beach when the tragedy occurred.
Mallett was rushed to a local hospital immediately after being retrieved from the water, but was pronounced dead on arrival. The news has led to an outpouring of grief within the NFL community.
A statement released by the NFL communicated their deep sadness at the news of Mallett’s death, offering condolences to his family and friends. The New England Patriots, Mallett’s first NFL team, also issued a statement of condolence and shared a picture of Mallett from his time with the team.
J.J. Watt, who played with Mallett at the Houston Texans, expressed his shock and grief via a Twitter post, emphasizing the tragic nature of Mallett’s sudden death.
Mallett was a standout player at the University of Arkansas before being drafted by the New England Patriots in 2011. He also played for the Houston Texans and the Baltimore Ravens during his NFL career. In 2022, he transitioned into coaching, taking up the role of head football coach at White Hall High School in Arkansas.
