Arkansas football releases statement following death of former quarterback Ryan Mallett

Former Michigan and Arkansas quarterback Ryan Mallett died on Tuesday in a drowning accident. A sad loss for the entire college football world, with Mallett being a memorable player for the Razorbacks. He was just 35 years old.

Condolences have begun to pour in, with Arkansas Football being the latest. They released a statement via Twitter, calling Mallett a “legend” of the program before sending out thoughts to the quarterback’s entire family.

“We are shocked and saddened by the passing of Ryan Mallett,” the statement said. “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.”

Mallett spent the 2009 and 2010 seasons as Arkansas’ starting quarterback, guiding the program to 18 wins. He threw for 7,439 yards, 62 touchdowns, and just 19 interceptions over the two years. Bobby Petrino was the head coach at the time, with Mallett being a huge reason why the Hogs made a BCS Bowl game.

There were plenty of memorable performances from Mallett, especially during the 2010 season. Arkansas finished the regular season with four straight wins and three of them came against ranked opponents. The LSU game on Black Friday will bring back good memories for those in Fayetteville, taking down a top-five-ranked team.

In a positive run for the program, Mallett was there at the front, leading. Doing so for the home state team likely made accomplishments that much better for Mallett. A true Arkansas Football legend earning the remembrance he deserved following his tragic death.

Ryan Mallett dies in drowning accident

Former Arkansas and NFL quarterback Ryan Mallett reportedly drowned in Florida and died on Tuesday. He was 35.

Mallett, who was most recently coaching high school football at White Hall High School in White Hall, Arkansas. He had last played in the NFL in 2017 after a seven-year career.

Mallett played football at Arkansas from 2008-2010. He began his college career at Michigan, before transferring after one season.

One of the top high school quarterback prospects in the nation in the 2007 signing class, Mallett chose the Wolverines out of Texas (Tx.) High School in Texarkana, Texas. But the Batesville, Arkansas, native returned to his home state after his season in Ann Arbor.