Watt on passing of ex-Texans quarterback Mallett: 'Gone way too soon'

Former Houston Texans defensive end J.J. Watt joined the rest of the National Football League (NFL) in mourning the loss of former quarterback Ryan Mallett on Tuesday, calling the passing of his one-time teammate “horrible news” on Twitter. 

Mallett, who was a member of the Texans during the 2014 and 2015 seasons, died from a purported drowning incident off the coast of Florida at the age of 35. 

“Horrible news to read about Ryan Mallett,” Watt tweeted. “Gone way too soon. Rest in peace, brother.”

According to a report that was run on the NFL’s website, the Okaloosa County Sheriff's Department (OCSD) said Mallett was first identified as a tourist.

Per the report, he was among a group of people spotted struggling in the waters near Destin, Florida.

NFL.com reported that lifeguards retrieved him, but were unsuccessful in their efforts to revive him.

Citing Little Rock, Arkansas CBS affiliate KTHV, Houston CBS affiliate KHOU reported that Mallett was employed as a high school football coach at the time of his death.

KHOU reported that Mallett put together a six-year career in the NFL, which included his stint in Houston.

He started two games in his first season with the Texans and started in four in his second and last campaign.

According to the NFL, Mallett was a 2011 draft pick of the New England Patriots, the University of Arkansas product taking on the role as the backup to Tom Brady.

Mallett’s first touchdown pass for Houston and his professional career in general found its way into the hands of the recently retired Watt during a 2014 game against the Cleveland Browns, per KHOU.

The station reported that aside from Watt, the Texans, the Patriots and the NFL paid tribute to Mallett.

CBS News reported that he was on the verge of beginning his second season at the helm of the White Hall Bulldogs football team.