The death of former NFL quarterback Ryan Mallett sent shock waves throughout the NFL community. Mallett was a backup quarterback in the NFL for years and one of the teams he played for was the New England Patriots.
He was the backup to Tom Brady in New England and when Brady heard about Mallett’s untimely death, and he was devastated.
Brady paid tribute to him on social media.
“We lost a great man,” he said. “Thank you for everything, Ryan. Praying for the Mallett family and all their loved ones tonight.”
Mallett was Brady’s backup for two years from 2011-2013. Reports are that Mallett drowned off the coast of Florida after struggling to get back to shore.
Once his body was found, it was too late, he was pronounced dead at a local hospital.
Other NFL stars like JJ Wyatt, Dez Bryant, and Rob Gronkowski also paid tribute to Mallett.
Mallett was the star quarterback for the Arkansas Razorbacks from 2009-2011 under then-head coach Bobby Petrino. He was named second-team All-SEC quarterback twice in his career in 2009 and 2010.
Naturally, Razorback fans and fans of football in general were upset to hear about the tragic death but he was remembered fondly by fans across the country for the impact he made on the sport he loved.
