huffpost
Allen Bailey, who spent eight seasons as a defensive end with the Kansas City Chiefs, has passed away at 37, the team confirmed. Bailey was found dead on Tuesday at his residence in Florida, with his family telling TMZ they suspect natural causes. As of Wednesday afternoon, no official cause of death had been disclosed.
Chiefs head coach Andy Reid opened his Wednesday news conference by expressing condolences. "Our hearts go out to his family," Reid said. "Prayers are with them. Way too young, obviously. One of my favorite players. Great kid. Just sorry to see that happened to him."
The Chiefs also released a statement on social media: "Allen Bailey was an excellent teammate, generous man, and kind soul. We're deeply saddened to hear of his passing, and our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends."
Bailey was drafted by Kansas City in the third round of the 2011 NFL Draft out of the University of Miami. Over 133 regular-season games (70 starts) with the Chiefs (2011-18) and Atlanta Falcons (2019-20), he recorded 248 tackles, 22 sacks, 40 tackles for loss, 40 quarterback hits, four forced fumbles, and seven fumble recoveries, including one returned for a touchdown. He also appeared in six playoff games (five starts), contributing 10 tackles, two sacks, and two forced fumbles.
The Falcons posted on social media: "Rest in peace, Allen Bailey. We send our deepest condolences to his family and friends."
Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes recalled Bailey as the first person he encountered in the locker room after being drafted in 2017. Seeing Bailey's imposing 6-foot-3, 288-pound frame made Mahomes realize he was no longer in college, a moment he described as surreal.
"Obviously, it's terrible to hear the news," Mahomes said. "A great teammate—he's one of those glue guys on the team. He makes plays. He's not necessarily a superstar, but the guy that kind of makes everything go. We're praying for his family. As teammates, we've talked and we know that we're going to do whatever we can to support those guys."
A native of Sapelo Island, Georgia, Bailey played 50 games for the Miami Hurricanes from 2007-10, amassing 107 tackles, 19 sacks, 31 tackles for loss, and two forced fumbles. He was a two-time All-Atlantic Coast Conference selection.
Reid also reflected on the personal tragedy: "It's terrible, especially with all the good he did. He's got a family and that's a sad deal. I know his father passed away young, too. It makes you sick when it happens to somebody that young."
Key Analysis
Bailey's untimely death has prompted an outpouring of grief from the football community, highlighting his impact as a dependable and well-liked presence in the locker room. His career statistics underscore his role as a consistent contributor on the defensive line, while tributes from coaches and teammates emphasize his character and generosity.
Originally reported by huffpost.