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Ryan Mallett death: Tom Brady says ‘we lost a great man’, JJ Watt says he’s ‘gone way too soon’

NFL legends Tom Brady, JJ Watt, and others paid tribute to Ryan Mallett, who tragically drowned in Destin, Florida at age 35

DESTIN, FLORIDA: NFL legends Tom Brady and JJ Watt, along with several others, showered their love and paid tribute to Ryan Mallett, who tragically lost his life due to accidental drowning at the young age of 35 in 2023. According to the Okaloosa County Sheriff's Office, Mallett, who played in the NFL with the New England Patriots, Houston Texans, and Baltimore Ravens, drowned in Destin, Florida while he was on vacation with his girlfriend, Madison Carter.

He was found in an unconscious state on a beach in the Gulf of Mexico and was taken to a hospital where he was pronounced dead on arrival. The ex-NFL quarterback played alongside Tom Brady for two seasons in New England, and the 45-year-old seven-time Super Bowl champion mourned the death of his former teammate on Instagram late on Tuesday, June 27, 2023.

"We lost a great man"

"We lost a great man. Thank you for everything Ryan", Brady wrote. "Praying for the Mallett family and all their loved ones tonight." 

New England Patriots pay their condolence

"The New England Patriots are deeply saddened to learn of the sudden and unexpected passing of former quarterback Ryan Mallett," the team wrote on Twitter. "Our thoughts are with the Mallett family, his former teammates and all who are mourning his loss." 

Legendary Patriots coach Bill Belichick offered a similar solace, saying, "I am extremely saddened by Ryan's tragic passing. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and the many people whose lives he touched." Mallett played in the NFL from 2011 to 2017 after a college career with Michigan and Arkansas, and he threw 62 touchdowns in his two seasons with the Razorbacks. Later, he served as the coach at White Hall High School.

"It is with great sadness that we share the loss of Coach Ryan Mallett," White Hall School District said in a statement on Tuesday. "Coach Mallett was a beloved coach and educator. We ask that you remember his family, team, students, fellow coaches, and the White Hall School District staff in your prayers." 

"We are shocked and saddened by the passing of Ryan Mallett,"  the Arkansas football program wrote on Twitter. "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." 

JJ Watt also honored his ex-teammate

Mallett, the former Razorback, also shared a locker room with JJ Watt for a couple of seasons when they were both on the Texans. The legendary former football defensive end honored his ex-teammate on Twitter Tuesday night. "Horrible news to read today," he said. "Gone way too soon. Rest in Peace brother."

ESPN analyst and former Colts punter Pat McAfee also paid tribute to Mallett. "Mann... Rest Easy Ryan Mallett," he wrote. "I had the opportunity to have a few beers with Ryan and I always appreciated his kindness. WE NEVER KNOW WHEN OUR TIME IS COMING… life is finite. Let's never forget that." 

Arkansas Director of Athletics Hunter Yurachek added, "Our @RazorbackFB family lost an incredibly special person today. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family, friends and teammates of Ryan Mallett." Ex-Patriots receiver Julian Edelman wrote on Twitter, "Tough one to swallow. Thoughts are with the family." 

"He was the future"

Fans also paid their respects after they heard the tragic news. One Twitter user wrote, "Tons of promise and potential. He was the future." Another one wrote, "Rest in Peace big fella. Too young." One user penned, "God bless his family" while another tweeted, "I remember when he was a freshman at Michigan and he was in pre game warm ups against Northwestern. On his knees he threw the ball 60 yards. Never seen an arm like that since in person." "RIP. Another reminder for the rest of us to live life while we can because life is short," tweeted one user.