Former NFL defensive lineman Allen Bailey passed away on Tuesday evening at just 37 years old. The Kansas City Chiefs confirmed the tragic news Wednesday, stating Bailey was found dead by his wife, though an official cause of death hasn’t been released. It’s just devastating to hear.
A Heartbreaking Loss for the NFL Family
The Chiefs posted a tribute, calling Bailey an “excellent teammate, generous man, and kind soul,” adding that they were “deeply saddened to hear of his passing” and sending thoughts and prayers to his family and friends. This hits hard. Chiefs head coach Andy Reid, who coached Bailey for six of his eight seasons in Kansas City, was clearly heartbroken when he started his weekly press conference. “Sad news: the passing of Allen Bailey. Our hearts go out to his family, and prayers are with them,” Reid said. “Way too young, obviously. One of my favorite players. Great kid, just sorry to see that happen to him.” You just feel for everyone involved, especially his family.
The Hulk Who Never Forgot Where He Came From
Bailey’s story is incredible. He was born on Sapelo Island, a place off the Georgia coast only accessible by boat. He didn’t even play organized football until seventh grade, learning the game through pickup games with his family. The Chiefs even produced a video about his hometown, “Allen Bailey: Pride of Sapelo Island.” That humble beginning defined his whole vibe. Reid called him “a good guy” and shared this hilarious, yet totally real, story: “I drive in every morning… I’ll see a possum. He was a big hunter; I’ll say, ‘I saw a possum out there.’ He goes, ‘Don’t eat those possums. They eat garbage. You have to get the ones that eat the chestnuts,’” Reid shared with a laugh. “He was that kind of guy: an outdoorsman, and then he was dirty tough. Talk about giving you an honest down, he gave you an honest down every snap.”
“The Hulk” was his nickname as a freshman at the University of Miami, where he became a first-team all-conference player before the Chiefs grabbed him in the third round of the 2011 NFL Draft. He wrapped up his 10-year pro career with 70 starts, 22 sacks, 40 tackles for loss, and four forced fumbles. Those are legit numbers for a guy who just gave it his all every snap.
Mahomes’ Unforgettable First Impression
When Patrick Mahomes first hit the Kansas City locker room, Bailey was already an established 28-year-old veteran. Mahomes shared a story that truly shows Bailey’s presence. “I tell this story kind of every year; he was the first person I saw when I stepped into the locker room,” Mahomes told local media. “I think it was after one of the drafts, they were in OTAs, and I step into the locker room and see Allen Bailey, and I’m like, ‘This isn’t the Big 12 anymore.‘ It was surreal to see him, and so I tell that story every single year.” Mahomes continued, “It’s terrible to hear the news that we heard. He was a great teammate.” Bailey finished his career with two seasons playing for the Atlanta Falcons, the closest team to his birthplace. Losing someone at 37, especially someone who clearly impacted so many, it just plain stings. Our hearts go out to his family and friends.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Arrowhead Pride.
Leave a Reply