The college football community and especially the Arkansas football family are in mourning after we learned of the shocking and sudden death of former Razorbacks quarterback Ryan Mallett, and ever since the news became public, there has been an outpouring of reaction and remembrance.
Former Arkansas football coach Bobby Petrino joined that chorus, sharing his condolences for Mallett and remembering his former player.
"I am heartbroken to hear of the passing of one of the greatest competitors I've had the privilege of coaching," Petrino said in a statement.
"Not only was Ryan a great leader and teammate on the field, he was a thoughtful and generous person off the field, as well. Personally, I know how much he loved being a Hog. 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!"
Arkansas fans know that reference well, when Mallett connected with Joe Adams on a legendary fourth-down call against No. 5 LSU en route to an upset victory.
Thought of as arguably the greatest quarterback in Arkansas football history, Mallett arrived on campus after transferring in from Michigan and over his two seasons with the program helped break and establish numerous all-time Razorback passing records.
Mallett and a group of others were swimming together in the Gulf of Mexico offshore from Destin when the group was seen to be struggling, according to the Okaloosa Co. (Fla.) Sheriff's Office. Shortly afterwards, a man was seen going under the water.
By the time a rescue crew arrived on the scene and the man was brought to the shore, he was not breathing, and the attempts at saving his life were unsuccessful, according to the first responders who were there.
After sharing this information, the Sheriff's Office was able to confirm that the man in question was Mallett.
"We send our heartfelt sympathies to his family, friends, and loved ones in this tragic passing," they said.
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