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Former Chiefs Star Allen Bailey Dies at 37
Confirmed
In Short: Former Kansas City Chiefs defensive end Allen Bailey was found dead at age 37 in his Florida home.
Former NFL defensive end Allen Bailey, who spent eight seasons with the Kansas City Chiefs, was found dead at age 37 in his Florida home on October 20, according to his brother Alford Bailey Jr. and multiple reports.
Bailey, selected by the Chiefs in the third round of the 2011 NFL Draft, played in 133 games and recorded 22 sacks and 248 tackles over his 10-year career.
His best statistical seasons came in 2014 and 2018, with a career-high 6 sacks in his final season with the Chiefs.
Bailey was remembered by his family and teammates, including head coach Andy Reid and quarterback Patrick Mahomes.
Reid expressed his condolences during a press conference, saying, 'Sad news, the passing of Allen Bailey.' Mahomes recalled, 'One of my favorite players,' noting Bailey's impact as a teammate.
Former Chiefs wide receiver Dwayne Bowe and college teammate Colin McCarthy also paid tribute to Bailey, calling him 'one of the best teammates I’ve had a chance to be around' and 'a brother,' respectively.
Bailey's death has sparked discussions about the health risks faced by NFL players, with research from the British Medical Journal and Harvard Medical School indicating that linemen like Bailey are more likely to develop diseases typically associated with advanced age at a younger age.
The Kansas City Chiefs are mourning Bailey's loss, with the team's practice squad elevations and defensive strategies continuing to evolve in the wake of his absence.
Former teammate and wide receiver Travis Kelce also expressed his condolences, highlighting Bailey's significant contributions to the team.
Bailey's legacy extends beyond the field, with his foundation offering football camps, community events, and digital resources to foster talent and promote academic readiness.
What this adds
The exact cause of Bailey's death has not been disclosed.
What's confirmed
- Former NFL defensive end Allen Bailey has died at 37, TMZ Sports reports.
- After former NFL defensive end Allen Bailey was found dead Oct. 20, his brother confirmed, the Kansas City Chiefs alum was remembered by his family and teammates, including Patrick Mahomes.
- Mo. -- Allen Bailey, a former NFL player who spent the majority of his 10-year career with the Kansas City Chiefs, has died at age 37.
- "Obviously, it's terrible to hear the news. 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."
- His brother, Alford Bailey Jr., told TMZ Bailey’s wife found him dead inside their Florida home.
What's still developing
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- "One of my favorite players." Patrick Mahomes recalled walking into the Chiefs locker room as a rookie and seeing the 6-foot-3, 288-pound Bailey, nicknamed "The Hulk" for his massive stature.
- Bailey was born March 25, 1989, in Sapelo Island, Georgia, and attended McIntosh County Academy before heading to Miami.