Allen Bailey, a former University of Miami defensive lineman and longtime NFL player, died at 37 years old, his brother confirmed to TMZ.
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Bailey’s brother, Alford Bailey Jr., told TMZ that Allen’s wife found him dead Tuesday at their Florida home. No official cause of death has been announced.
Bailey, a Georgia native, played four collegiate seasons at Miami. He was named first-team All-ACC in his junior year with the Hurricanes in 2009 and made second-team All-ACC as a senior in 2010.
The Kansas City Chiefs selected Bailey with the 86th overall pick in the third round of the 2011 NFL Draft. He spent eight seasons in Kansas City and played two more years with the Atlanta Falcons. For his career, he racked up 22 sacks and 248 tackles in 133 regular season games across 10 seasons.
“Allen Bailey was an excellent teammate, generous man, and kind soul,” the Chiefs wrote on social media. “We’re deeply saddened to hear of his passing, and our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends.”
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“Way too young obviously,” Chiefs head coach Andy Reid said Wednesday when reflecting on Bailey’s death. “One of my favorite players. A great kid. I’m sorry to see that happen.”
Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes, who was Bailey’s teammate for two seasons in Kansas City, said Bailey was the first person he saw in the locker room during his rookie year.
“I said ‘This isn’t the Big 12 anymore,'” Mahomes recalled.
Colin McCarthy, a former Miami linebacker, also reflected on his former teammate’s death.
“Lost a fellow brother today… prayers to AB family!” he posted on social media. “Love you Big Cuzzo!”
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