Ryan Mallett: Former NFL QB dies at age 35 ‘after drowning incident’ in Florida

Former football player Ryan Mallett has died at the age of 35.

Mallett, who played in the NFL with the New England Patriots, Houston Texans and Baltimore Ravens, drowned in Florida.

Deltaplex news first reported the tragedy on Tuesday, before the Patriots confirmed the news. He was taken from a Florida beach to the hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

“The New England Patriots are deeply saddened by the sudden and unexpected passing of former quarterback Ryan Mallett,” the team wrote on Twitter.

“Our thoughts are with the Mallett family, his former teammates and all those mourning his loss.”

The former quarterback played with Tom Brady for the New England Patriots from 2011-2013

JJ Watt took to Twitter to pay tribute to his former teammate, who has passed away at the age of 35

Mallett played in the NFL from 2011 to 2017 after a college career with Michigan and Arkansas.

He returned to the latter state to coach at White Hall High School, assuming the role in February 2022.

Mallett was a teammate of legendary quarterback Tom Brady for two seasons after being drafted in the third round 12 years ago.

The former Razorback also shared a locker room with JJ Watt for two seasons while both players were on the Texans.

And the legendary defensive end honored his ex-teammate on Twitter on Tuesday night.

“Terrible news to read about Ryan Mallett,” he said. ‘ Gone way too soon. Rest in peace brother.’

Former Patriots running back James White (not a Mallet teammate), ex-Steelers defensive back Ryan Clark and ex-Ravens wide receiver also offered their condolences.