Former Kansas City Chiefs defensive lineman Allen Bailey has died at the age of 37, with his family discovering him on a Tuesday, according to reports.
Natural Causes Suspected as Officials Release No Official Cause
While an official explanation from authorities remains pending, family members suspect a natural death, TMZ reported. Ten years in the National Football League saw Bailey establish himself as a presence in defensive trenches, playing in 133 regular-season games with the Chiefs and Atlanta Falcons. Drafted out of Miami in the third round of the 2011 NFL Draft, Bailey spent eight seasons in Kansas City before signing with Atlanta in 2019, where he appeared in 31 games across two seasons before his release in 2021. Over his professional career, he recorded 22 sacks and 248 tackles.
Andy Reid Remembers a Favorite Player
Chiefs coach Andy Reid, who coached Bailey from 2013 through 2018, shared his grief on Wednesday regarding the loss of his former player. “Our deep sympathy goes out to his family, and we keep them in our prayers,” Reid said. “He was obviously way too young. He was one of my favorite players, a great kid. I just feel so endlessly sorry that this happened to him.”
Patrick Mahomes Recalls Rookie Impressions
Patrick Mahomes, who shared a locker room with Bailey during the 2017 and 2018 seasons, recalled their first interaction upon entering the professional ranks. “I tell this story every year: He was the first guy I saw when I walked into the locker room after the draft,” Mahomes said. “I see Allen Bailey and think to myself, ‘This isn’t the Big 12 anymore.’ It was surreal to see him.” Mahomes added that Bailey served as a teammate who helped hold the locker room together.
Bailey Recorded 22 Sacks over a Decade of Play
Bailey’s production in Kansas City formed the backbone of his professional resume. His subsequent two-year stint with the Atlanta Falcons added depth before his departure in 2021. His career totals of 22 sacks and 248 tackles reflect a decade of play in the trenches without ever being a superstar, though teammates consistently pointed to his value as someone who ensured everything worked.
More on Allen Bailey
Allen Bailey, a former NFL defensive end who spent eight seasons with the Kansas City Chiefs before playing for the Atlanta Falcons, has died at age 37. Bailey’s wife found him dead inside their Florida home Tuesday, October 20, according to his brother, Alford Bailey Jr.The… pic.twitter.com/qVzDriba9c
🏈🕊️ BREAKING: Former NFL star Allen Bailey has passed away at just 37 years old.The former Kansas City Chiefs and Atlanta Falcons defensive end spent 10 seasons in the NFL, recording 248 tackles and 22 sacks.According to his family, Bailey died at his Florida home on October… pic.twitter.com/yW8afUh1Ng
🚨 Chiefs mourn Allen Bailey after former NFL player found dead at age 37Allen Bailey, a former NFL player who spent the majority of his 10-year career with the Chiefs, has died at age 37.per ESPNWhat do you remember most about Bailey's run in KC?#NFL #Chiefs pic.twitter.com/3cEqfqfb8k
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