KANSAS CITY, 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.
Chiefs coach Andy Reid shared his appreciation for Bailey on Wednesday, one day after the former defensive end was found dead in his Florida home.
“Our hearts go out to his family, and our prayers are with them,” Reid said. “Way too young, obviously. He was one of my favorite players, a great kid. I’m just sorry to see that happened to him.”
Bailey, who began his NFL career with the Chiefs in 2011, was found dead Tuesday by his wife. His family told TMZ that they believe Bailey died from natural causes, although an official cause of death had not been released as of Wednesday afternoon.
Bailey played his first eight seasons with the Chiefs. He produced the best season of his career in 2018, when he recorded a career-high six sacks, 10 quarterback hits and four fumble recoveries, one he returned for a touchdown.
Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes was Bailey’s teammate for two seasons.
“I tell this story every year: He was the first person I saw when I stepped into the locker room after the [2017] draft,” Mahomes said. “I see Allen Bailey and I’m like, ‘This isn’t the Big 12 anymore.’ It was surreal to see him.
“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.”
Within hours of Bailey’s death, several of his former Chiefs teammates — pass rusher Chris Jones and former players such as receiver Dwayne Bowe, center Mitch Morse and right tackle Mitchell Schwartz — expressed their respect, love and gratitude for his fun, energetic personality.
Bailey finished his career in Atlanta, playing his final two seasons with the Falcons. In 133 games in his career, Bailey recorded 22 sacks, seven fumble recoveries and 40 tackles for loss.
“It’s terrible, especially with all the good he [did],” Reid said of Bailey’s death. “He’s got a family and that’s a sad deal. I know his father passed away young, too. It makes you sick when it happens to somebody that young.”
