Ryan Mallett’s girlfriend Madison Carter speaks out after NFL star drowned at a Florida beach
Madison Carter, the girlfriend of ex-NFL star Ryan Mallett who tragically drowned on Tuesday, has spoken out for the first time since his death.
Carter was vacationing with Mallett, 35, when he got into trouble swimming at a Miami beach and couldn’t be rescued.
She had shared a photo of the couple holding hands on Facebook and wrote, “I want to thank everyone for the calls, texts, messages, comments, etc. Not one has gone unnoticed and I’m slowly working to answer them.” I appreciate you all more than you know.”
Later on Sunday, she posted a longer open letter addressed to Mallett on Facebook, which read, “Ryan Michael Mallett. How do I even find the words. I prayed for you for 27 years and we finally found each other.
“I trust that God has a plan for everything, but I don’t think I’ll ever understand why this happened. I’m so sorry I couldn’t save you, and I hope you know how hard I tried.
Madison Carter, the girlfriend of Ryan Mallett – the ex-NFL star who tragically drowned last Tuesday – has posted a heartbreaking tribute to him on her Facebook account
Carter, 27, said she will never be able to understand how Mallett lost his life last week
Carter had also posted a message thanking people for offering support
“Everyone knows how talented, dedicated and passionate you were for the game of football. Those of us lucky enough to know your heart know that it was even bigger than your larger than life personality and stature.
“Nothing was ever about you, it was always about others. Several times I heard you say “there are so many good people in this world”, and that statement alone shows what kind of person you were. Always looking for the good.
“I can never thank you enough for loving me the way you did. In such a short time you showed me the love I’ve prayed for all my life. You loved me fiercely and unashamedly.
“We were planning our future. We had just started. I’m sure some think we’re crazy for thinking that way about each other in such a short amount of time. I thought we were crazy at first too. But you helped me understand that when two souls connect like ours, love has no set timeline.
“Words cannot express how much I miss you. I hope you know how loved you are. By myself, your wonderful family, your friends, your teammates, your students and countless others. I don’t know how I will ever get over this.
“But I am so honored to love you and to be loved by you. You changed my life, and I am eternally grateful for the time we had. No amount of time would ever have been enough. I love you, Ryan. Please watch over us. I can not wait to see you again.’
The couple had only confirmed their relationship on Facebook on June 1.
The Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office confirmed Mallett’s death in a statement Tuesday.
Carter wrote in her letter to Mallett that she tried to save him: “I hope you know how hard I tried”
Carter shared a series of photos from her time with Mallett in addition to paying tribute to him
Mallett, 35, drowned after getting into trouble while vacationing with girlfriend Carter
Former footballer Mallett had only come out on June 1 about his relationship with Carter
“A tourist was killed when he apparently drowned off Gulf Shore Drive in Destin,” it read Tuesday night.
A group of individuals were reportedly struggling off the coast when a man went down.
“He wasn’t breathing when lifeguards found him and pulled him out. Tragically, life-saving measures were unsuccessful.
The victim is identified as 35-year-old Ryan Mallett of Arkansas. We extend our sincere condolences to his family, friends and loved ones on his tragic passing.”
Mallett was taken to the hospital from a Florida beach after first responders were called to the area at 2:12 p.m. He was pronounced dead at Destin’s emergency room.
The 35-year-old played in the NFL with the New England Patriots, Houston Texans and Baltimore Ravens.
a former quarterback, Mallett supported Tom Brady for two seasons in New England, and the future Hall of Famer paid tribute to his ex-teammate late Tuesday on Instagram.
“We have lost a great man. Thanks for everything Ryan,” he wrote. “Praying tonight for the Mallett family and all their loved ones.”
In addition to playing with Brady, the former Razorback also shared a locker room with JJ Watt for two seasons while both players were on the Texans.
And Watt paid tribute on Twitter, writing, “Terrible news to read about Ryan Mallett. Gone way too soon. Rest in peace brother’.
Mallett was Tom Brady’s backup with the New England Patriots during his NFL career
And the legendary passer-by paid tribute to his ex-teammate late on Tuesday evening
JJ Watt took to Twitter to pay tribute to his former teammate, who has passed away at the age of 35
Heat exhaustion may have contributed to Mallett’s death, according to a beach official in Destin, where the tragedy occurred.
Joe D’Agostino, head of the Beach Safety Division, made the comments as he warned swimmers to be aware of how hot weather can be a hazard. It comes after officials also said Mallett’s death was not caused by riptides in the area.
“There are many things that can affect a swimmer,” D’Agostino told AL.com. “If you stop sweating, you have a problem.
“You have to sweat no matter what you’re doing, even if you’re just sitting in the shade.” Some of our visitors overestimate their swimming skills.’
Mallett played in the NFL from 2011 to 2017 after a college career with Michigan and Arkansas, throwing 62 touchdowns in two seasons with the Razorbacks.
He returned to the latter state to coach at White Hall High School, assuming the role in February 2022.