Former NFL quarterback Ryan Mallett has died in an apparent drowning at the age of 35.<\/span><\/p>\n Mallett, who played for the New England Patriots, Houston Texans and Baltimore Ravens, was on holiday with his girlfriend in Florida.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n A third-round pick in the 2011 NFL draft, he was Tom Brady’s back-up at the Patriots from 2011-2013.<\/span><\/p>\n After finishing playing in 2017, Mallett worked as a high school coach in his home state of Arkansas.<\/span><\/p>\n At least 11 people have died as a result of rip currents on the US Gulf Coast in the last two weeks, according to US media reports. <\/span><\/p>\n Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office said Mallett was one of a group of people reportedly struggling offshore in the coastal town of Destin when he went under the water on Tuesday afternoon.<\/span><\/p>\n He was not breathing when lifeguards pulled him out and “lifesaving measures were not successful”.<\/span><\/p>\n In a post on social media, Brady said: “We lost a great man. Thank you for everything Ryan.”<\/span><\/p>\n “Ryan was a tremendous person and a loyal team-mate,” said Baltimore in a statement. “He had an infectious personality, and throughout his time as a Raven, Ryan’s charisma and joy for being around the team were consistently on display.”<\/span><\/p>\n Ravens head coach John Harbaugh added: “Ryan was a part of us. I will always remember the love he had for his team-mates and for making the most of and enjoying every football day while here.”<\/span><\/p>\n New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick said he was “extremely saddened”, while Burnley investor and former Texans team-mate JJ Watt, who received Mallett’s first touchdown pass, said: “Horrible news to read… Gone way too soon. “<\/span><\/p>\n In 21 career games in the NFL, Mallett threw for 1,835 yards and nine touchdowns.<\/span><\/p>\n![\"Ryan](\"https:\/\/ichef.bbci.co.uk\/onesport\/cps\/624\/cpsprodpb\/F1F6\/production\/_130224916_gettyimages-462689855.jpg\")
<\/span><\/span>