Former Arkansas QB Ryan Mallett Dies in Drowning Accident

Former Arkansas and NFL quarterback Ryan Mallett died Tuesday afternoon in a drowning accident on a Florida beach.

According to reports, Mallett was among a group of swimmers that struggled to make it back to shore at a beach in Destin, Florida. First responders pulled the 35-year-old from the water and attempted to perform lifesaving measures, but he was pronounced dead after being transferred to a nearby hospital.

Mallett had a prolific career at Arkansas, totaling 7,493 yards and 62 touchdowns during his two seasons with the Razorbacks. He finished seventh in Heisman Trophy voting in 2010 and was drafted by the New England Patriots in the 2011 NFL Draft. Mallett also played for the Houston Texans and the Baltimore Ravens.

Before his death, Mallett was the head football coach and an educator at White Hall High School in Arkansas.

Tributes and words of support have begun pouring in for Mallett, both online and at Razorback Stadium in Fayetteville.

Fans have left flowers outside Gate 14 of Razorback Stadium to honor Ryan Mallett. #WPS pic.twitter.com/siVAnO8119
— Alyssa Orange (@AlyssaOrange) June 28, 2023

Bill Belichick on the passing of Ryan Mallett. pic.twitter.com/3Yz2U6F8Yd
— New England Patriots (@Patriots) June 27, 2023

We join the @ArkRazorbacks community in mourning the loss of former football student-athlete Ryan Mallett.

The SEC sends condolences to his family, friends, teammates, and loved ones. pic.twitter.com/vEVDsC2jjq
— Southeastern Conference (@SEC) June 28, 2023

Ryan Mallett set multiple school records at Arkansas that still stand today including:

-Passing yards in a season (3,869)
-Passing touchdowns in a season (32)
-Completion % in a game (87.5%)

Forever an Arkansas legend 🙏pic.twitter.com/tOUkcAJX8O
— 247Sports (@247Sports) June 27, 2023