Former NFL quarterback Ryan Mallett dead after drowning in Florida: report

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Former NFL quarterback Ryan Mallett has reportedly died at 35 after tragically drowning in Florida. 

The incident occurred in Destin, Florida, according to Deltaplex News in Arkansas. Mallett was transported from a beach to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead on arrival, the outlet reported. 

The NFL released a statement on Mallett's death.

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Quarterback Ryan Mallett #15 of the Arkansas Razorbacks poses for a photo on May 19, 2010 in Fayetteville, Arkansas.  (Wesley Hitt/Getty Images)

"The NFL family is deeply saddened by the passing of Ryan Mallett. Our thoughts are with his family and loved ones," the NFL said in a statement as well. 

The New England Patriots, who Mallett was drafted by in the third round of the 2011 NFL Draft out of Arkansas, released a statement of their own. 

"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 with a picture of Mallett in a Patriots uniform. "Our thoughts are with the Mallett family, his former teammates and all who are mourning his loss."

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The NFL world was shocked by the sudden passing of one of their brothers, including recently-retired defensive lineman and Houston Texans legend J.J. Watt. They were teammates together in Houston. 

"Horrible news to read about Ryan Mallett. Gone way too soon. Rest in Peace brother," he wrote on Twitter with a praying hands emoji. 

Mallett was an Arkansas Razorbacks legend during his time there in 2009 and 2010. He began his college career at