The National Football League (NFL) community is in mourning following the separate, untimely deaths of two former players, Cedric Killings and Ryan Mallett.
Cedric Killings, who exhibited a strong presence in the NFL from 2000-2007, passed away at age 45 from lung cancer on June 21, as confirmed by his alma mater, Carson-Newman University. Killings' wife, Shavon, announced his passing on Facebook. "I'm comforted in knowing he is resting and no longer in pain, but I'm still at a loss and can't believe this is real," she wrote. Killings, whose career was cut short due to a fractured vertebra in 2007, was remembered by his former coach, Mike Clowney, as a "fantastic person, player, father, husband, teammate and most importantly, a man of God."
The tragic news comes as the NFL community also mourns the loss of former Texans quarterback Ryan Mallett. Mallett, aged 35, tragically drowned while swimming in the Gulf of Mexico off Florida's Panhandle coast on Tuesday afternoon, according to Okaloosa County Sheriff's Office.
Initial speculations of dangerous riptides contributing to the incident were dismissed by Sheriff Eric Aden, who confirmed, "we have no indication here of any dangerous conditions out there." Mallett, known for his tenure with the New England Patriots, Houston Texans, and Baltimore Ravens, was remembered for his "incredible arm strength" by former Michigan coach Lloyd Carr.
Killings, a defensive lineman, showcased his talent in the late 1990s at Carson-Newman University, earning recognition as a four-time NCAA Division II All-American. Despite going undrafted, he was signed by the San Francisco 49ers in 2000 and later played for the Carolina Panthers, Washington Football Team, and Houston Texans. His career met an abrupt end following a collision during a 2007 game with the Texans that resulted in a fractured vertebra. His resilience was admired when he surprised his teammates by showing up at practice mere days after his injury.
In a similarly commendable career, Mallett, an Arkansas native, shone in college football before moving to the NFL. He was particularly noted for backing up legendary player Tom Brady during his time with the New England Patriots. At the time of his death, he had transitioned to coaching at White Hall High School in Arkansas.
As the NFL grapples with the loss of these former players, the football community extends its condolences to the families of both men. Killings is survived by his wife and three children, while details regarding Mallett's survivors remain undisclosed.
