Former Arkansas, NFL QB Ryan Mallett dies in apparent drowning

 Ryan Mallett is a former professional American football quarterback who played in the National Football League (NFL). He was born on June 5, 1988, in Batesville, Arkansas. Mallett's football career began in high school, where he displayed exceptional talent as a quarterback and earned recognition as one of the top high school players in the country.

After graduating from high school, Ryan Mallett attended the University of Michigan, where he played college football for the Wolverines. During his freshman year in 2007, he served as a backup to Chad Henne but still managed to make an impact when given the opportunity. In 2008, Mallett became the starting quarterback for Michigan, and he showcased his strong arm and pocket presence throughout the season.

Despite his promising collegiate career, Ryan Mallett decided to transfer to the University of Arkansas in 2009. After sitting out the 2009 season due to NCAA transfer rules, he returned to the field in 2010 and had an impressive junior year. Mallett led the Razorbacks to a 10-3 record, including a victory in the Sugar Bowl, and set several school records along the way. His standout performances caught the attention of NFL scouts, and he decided to forgo his senior year of college eligibility and enter the 2011 NFL Draft.

In the 2011 NFL Draft, Ryan Mallett was selected by the New England Patriots in the third round as the 74th overall pick. He joined a team led by future Hall of Fame quarterback Tom Brady and had the opportunity to learn from one of the best in the game. Mallett served as Brady's backup for three seasons, primarily seeing limited playing time in preseason games and occasional regular-season appearances.

After his tenure with the Patriots, Ryan Mallett was traded to the Houston Texans in 2014. He got his first significant opportunity to start in the NFL when Texans' starting quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick suffered an injury. Mallett started six games for the Texans that season but struggled with consistency and ultimately lost the starting job. He continued to serve as a backup for the Texans until the end of the 2015 season.

In subsequent years, Ryan Mallett had brief stints with the Baltimore Ravens and the Detroit Lions but was unable to secure a long-term starting role. Despite his natural talent and strong arm, Mallett faced challenges with decision-making and accuracy, limiting his success at the professional level.

Following his NFL career, Ryan Mallett transitioned out of football. While his time in the NFL didn't match the initial expectations set by his college and high school performances, he remains a notable figure in football history. Mallett's journey serves as a reminder of the challenges and competitive nature of professional sports and the importance of consistent performance and adaptability.

Off the field, Mallett has been involved in various charitable initiatives and community work, demonstrating his commitment to making a positive impact beyond football.

Former Arkansas quarterback Ryan Mallett, who went on to have a seven-year career in the NFL, died Tuesday in an apparent drowning at a Florida beach, according to the Okaloosa County Sheriff's Office. He was 35.