Former New England Patriots backup QB Ryan Mallett reportedly drowns at Florida beach

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. — A former New England Patriots 3rd round pick was reported dead Tuesday afternoon.

35-year-old Ryan Mallet died after drowning in Florida on Tuesday, according to a report from Deltaplex News in Pine Bluff, Ark.

A standout at the University of Arkansas, Mallett was drafted in the 3rd round, 74th overall, by the Patriots in the 2011 NFL Draft and played in the NFL for 6 years.

In a statement, the team said:

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

Mallett spent three years in New England before being traded to the Houston Texans in 2014. He finished his NFL career with the Baltimore Ravens in 2017.

Patriots Coach Bill Belichick said, “I am extremely saddened by Ryan’s tragic passing. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and the many people whose lives he touched.”

After his professional football career, Mallett became the head football coach of White Hall High School in Arkansas.

In a statement, the school district said he was a beloved coach and educator.

The New England Patriots are deeply saddened to learn of the sudden and unexpected passing of former quarterback Ryan Mallett.

Our thoughts are with the Mallett family, his former teammates and all who are mourning his loss. pic.twitter.com/TUpa7cpXoS
— New England Patriots (@Patriots) June 27, 2023