Former NFL quarterback Ryan Mallett drowns at Florida beach, say reports

Former NFL quarterback Ryan Mallett has died after drowning at a Florida beach at the age of 35, according to reports.

Mallett, who played for the New England Patriots and Baltimore Ravens, was working as a head coach at White Hall High School in Arkansas, and officials at the school confirmed the death to the state’s FOX24 station.

He was rushed to the hospital but was later pronounced dead, according to DeltaPlexNews.com.

“The Superintendent of White Hall has confirmed Ryan Mallet drowned today while in Florida. We are working on learning more. Absolutely torn apart by this news,” tweeted Alyssa Orange of FOX24.

Hunter Yurachek, the director of athletics at the University of Arkansas where Mallett played in college, took to Twitter to confirm the news.

“Our (Razorback) family lost an incredibly special person today. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family, friends and teammates of Ryan Mallett,” he tweeted on Tuesday evening.

Mallett was a third-round pick in the 2011 NFL draft and retired in 2017 after also playing for the Houston Texans.

The 6ft7 athlete was from Texarkana, Texas, and was ranked the number four overall player in the country when he graduated high school.

The New England Patriots official Twitter account also confirmed the death of Mallett.

“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,” the team said in a statement.