Ryan Michael Mallett was born on June 5, 1988 in Batesville, Arkansas, to Jim and Debbie Mallett and departed this life on June 27, 2023 in Destin, Florida.
Ryan graduated early from Texas High School in Texarkana, Texas, in 2007 in order to enroll at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor. Following a coaching change after his freshman year at UM, Ryan fulfilled his lifelong dream of becoming an Arkansas Razorback. As he had to sit out one year because of NCAA transfer rules, he had a year to learn Coach Bobby Petrino’s offense and work with a group of talented receivers, which led to him setting numerous UA records, including most passing yards (7.493) and touchdown passes (62).
Being a gifted athlete, Ryan accomplished a childhood dream of playing professional football in the NFL when he was drafted in 2011 in the third round by the New England Patriots. He played professionally for seven years with the Patriots, Houston Texans, and Baltimore Ravens. In addition to his sports obligations, Ryan was able to obtain his bachelor's degree from UA. and later completed his Master’s of Arts in Teaching degree.
Following in his father’s footsteps, Ryan became a high school football coach, which had always been his desire after ending his playing career. He served two years as offensive coordinator at Mountain Home High School, where he was mentored by head coach Steve Ary. His ultimate goal was to be a head football coach, and he achieved that goal at White Hall High School this past year before his untimely death. He was so excited to be able to teach young men how to improve their skills in the game he loved. His players were his children, and he loved them BIG. He was fortunate to work with men at both schools who were more than coaches — they were friends.
Ryan lived each day to the fullest. Everyone knew he was a big-hearted, fun-loving guy, who enjoyed hunting, fishing, going to the beach, and of course, playing sports. But the thing closest to his heart was being with family and friends competing in some of his favorite activities: river trips, corn hole tournaments, trash talking his cousins (and Aunt Kay), playing golf, and filling his days with laughter and love.
Ryan was preceded in death by his father Jim Mallett, grandparents Morse and Lula Mallett, grandfather Malcolm Burnette, uncles David Burnette and Danny Mallett.
Left to cherish his memory are his mother Debbie Mallett, sister and brother-in-law Lauren and Justin Hays, nieces Hadley and Harper Hays, nephew Davis Hays, grandmother Gail Burnette, girlfriend Madison Carter, and numerous relatives and friends.
Funeral services will be held Thursday, July 6, 2023 - 2:00 P.M. at Central United Methodist Church in Fayetteville, Arkansas.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions be made to Mallettown Cemetery C/O Mike and Lisa Dunlap, 19 Town Circle, Springfield AR 72157; Ryan Mallett Memorial Scholarship Mountain Home High School (mountainhomeeducationfoundation.com/donate),
or any children’s charity.
Debbie and Lauren wish to extend the most heartfelt thanks to J R Carroll and Justin Boeving for taking such wonderful care of them during this most difficult time.
The link to watch the stream of the funeral service is: https://centraltolifeclassic.online.church/