FORMER NFL quarterback and beloved high school football coach Ryan Mallett has died at the age of 35.
First responders raced Mallett to the hospital on Tuesday after he was found unresponsive at a beach in Destin, Florida.
Rescue crews were called to the beachfront at around 2pm to help tourists who were trying to make it to land from the ocean.
"A group of people in the water near the second sandbar had reportedly been struggling to make their way back to shore," the Okaloosa County Sheriff's Office said.
"One of the individuals, an adult male, went under and lifeguards say he was not breathing when pulled out.
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"Lifesaving measures were immediately undertaken but the man was pronounced deceased at the Destin Emergency Room."
The sheriff's office later confirmed that Mallett was the victim who died.
Mallett lived in Arkansas and was vacationing in Florida with his new girlfriend, according to reports.
His death comes after seven people died over a nine-day period this month in nearby Panama City Beach, another Gulf Coast town that is 50 miles from where Mallett drowned.
A total of 12 people have died within two weeks along the Gulf of Mexico despite repeated warnings about dangerous water conditions.
COLLEGE STANDOUT
Mallett played for three teams during his time in the NFL including the New England Patriots, Houston Texans, and Baltimore Ravens.
He was a standout player in his college career, which began at Michigan before he transferred to Arkansas.
He went on to start in 26 games in 2009-2010 for the Razorbacks.
In his last season with Arkansas, he threw for 3,869 yards and 32 touchdowns and earned 2nd-team All-SEC honors.
"We are shocked and saddened by the passing of Ryan Mallett," the Razorbacks wrote in a tribute.
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"He was a Razorback legend with larger-than-life talent and a personality to match. He led our program to some of our best moments in recent memory.
"He will be missed by everyone who knew him. Our thoughts and prayers are with his mother Debbie and his extended family."
Mallett later spent six seasons in the NFL from 2011-2017 and appeared in 21 games with eight career starts.
He was drafted in the third round of the 2011 NFL draft by New England and backed up Tom Brady for two seasons.
Alongside a photo of the two of them together, Brady wrote on Instagram on Tuesday night: "We lost a great man.
"Thank you for everything Ryan."
Mallett played a season and a half with the Texans before joining the Baltimore Ravens for the 2016 and 2017 seasons.
He got into coaching shortly after his playing career ended.
Mallett became head football coach at White Hall High School in Arkansas in 2022 after joining the program as an assistant in 2020.
FANS MOURN
Football fans rushed to Twitter with tributes to Mallett, with one even calling him "the best QB in Razorback history."
Another fan wrote: "Said many times that Ryan Mallett was the best QB in Razorback history. Skill set unmatched. Great competitor & his teammates loved him. Some of his throws & moments are burned forever in my Hog memory. RIP one five. Razorback Nation forever grateful."
A third said: "Ryan Mallett, rip to one of the best arms on college football. Was amazing the cannon he had. What a great time it was to watch him play as a Razorback fan. RIP. Always a fan."
The NFL released a statement saying that the organization was deeply saddened by Mallett's death and former NFL players also took to Twitter to send their condolences.
"The New England Patriots are deeply saddened to learn of the sudden and unexpected passing of former quarterback Ryan Mallett," the Patriots wrote.
"Our thoughts are with the Mallett family, his former teammates, and all who are mourning his loss."
NFL star JJ Watt, who was Mallett's teammate in Houston, said: "Horrible news to read about Ryan Mallett. Gone way too soon. Rest in Peace, brother."
And ex-NFL star QB Robert Griffin III shared: "Send a prayer up for Ryan's family and loved ones during this tragic time."
