Former Kansas City Chiefs defensive lineman Allen Bailey died Tuesday at his Florida residence at the age of 37, his family confirmed.
Bailey’s brother, Alford Bailey Jr., told TMZ Sports that Bailey’s wife discovered him dead inside their home. While Bleacher Report noted that an official cause of death had not yet been formally released by authorities, Bailey’s family told TMZ Sports that he died of natural causes, according to the New York Post.
Chiefs head coach Andy Reid addressed the passing during a Wednesday press conference. Reid, who coached the defensive lineman in Kansas City from 2013 to 2018, called him “one of my favorite players.”
“Sad news, the passing of Allen Bailey. Our hearts go out to his family. Prayers are with them. Way too young, obviously,” Reid told reporters, as reported by Bleacher Report. “Great kid, and just sorry to see that happen to him.”
Reid also noted that Bailey’s father died at an early age, according to The Guardian US. Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes, who joined Kansas City in 2017, recalled Bailey as an imposing yet grounding presence who was the first player he encountered in the team locker room after being drafted. Mahomes described Bailey as an essential “glue” teammate who made the roster click, The Guardian US reported.
From Sapelo Island to the NFL
Bailey was raised on Sapelo Island, Georgia, an isolated barrier island accessible only by boat with fewer than 70 residents, according to The Guardian US. He played prep football at McIntosh County Academy before starring at the University of Miami between 2007 and 2010, twice earning All-ACC honors with the Hurricanes.
The Chiefs selected Bailey in the third round of the 2011 NFL draft. He went on to spend eight seasons in Kansas City, starting 61 games. During his time with the franchise, Bailey compiled 207 tackles, 19.5 sacks, four forced fumbles and one defensive touchdown, Yahoo Sports reported. That touchdown occurred during a memorable 2018 clash against the Los Angeles Rams, when Bailey recovered a fourth-quarter fumble by Jared Goff and returned it for a score.
His best statistical campaign came in 2018, when he tallied six sacks to help Kansas City reach the AFC Championship Game.
Tributes across the league
Following the 2018 season, Bailey signed a two-year free-agent contract with the Atlanta Falcons. He made 31 appearances with Atlanta before being released prior to the 2021 season, according to Bleacher Report and Yahoo Sports. Over his 10-year career spanning 133 NFL games, Bailey amassed 248 total tackles and 22 sacks, the New York Post reported.
The Chiefs released a team statement Wednesday honoring Bailey as an “excellent teammate, generous man, and kind soul.” Several former colleagues also offered online tributes, including former Kansas City teammates Dwayne Bowe and Jeff Allen, as well as college teammate Colin McCarthy, the New York Post reported.
Memorial arrangements and service details have not yet been publicly disclosed by Bailey’s family.
