Bobby Petrino shares memories, condolences following tragic drowning death of Ryan Mallett

Following the tragic drowning death of former Arkansas quarterback Ryan Mallett, dozens of his former coaches and colleagues have chimed in offering condolences to his family and sharing fond memories of him.

The rocket-armed quarterback was part of one of the most successful runs in Arkansas school history from 2009-10 under the direction of coach Bobby Petrino.

Petrino chimed in on his former player’s tragic drowning death on Tuesday evening.

“I am heartbroken to hear of the passing of one of the greatest competitors I’ve had the privilege of coaching,” Petrino wrote on Twitter. “Not only was Ryan a great leader and teammate on the field, he was a thoughtful and generous person off the field as well.”

With Mallett at the helm of Petrino’s offense, the Razorbacks won eight games in 2009 and then 10 games in 2010. They made a Sugar Bowl appearance in the process.

Mallett was electric, throwing for 7,493 yards and 62 touchdowns with just 19 interceptions.

He was a vivacious leader for the team, a big-bodied quarterback with a cannon of an arm that could threaten all areas of the field. And he knew how to get the attention of his teammates when needed.

“Personally, I know how much he loved being a hog,” Petrino wrote. “I along with thousands of others will always remember 4th and 3 in Little Rock against LSU when he made the perfect pass to Joe to seal the win!”

Those heroics, among other displays throughout his Arkansas career, earned Mallett a place in the 2011 NFL Draft. He became a third-round pick of the New England Patriots, spending three years there before going on to play in Houston and in Baltimore.

The tragic drowning death of Ryan Mallett shocked both the college football and NFL world.

Petrino offered his condolences.

“My heart goes out to his family and to all of Hog nation tonight,” Petrino wrote. “Gone but never forgotten. May you rest in peace buddy. Love you!”