Former Chiefs Defensive Lineman Allen Bailey Dead at 37

Allen Bailey, a former defensive lineman who spent eight seasons of his 10-year NFL career with the Kansas City Chiefs, died at age 37.

Bailey's brother, Alford Bailey Jr., confirmed to TMZ that Allen Bailey was found dead inside his Florida home on Monday night. The family believes he passed away from natural causes.

The Chiefs mourned Bailey's passing on social media.

"Allen Bailey was an excellent teammate, generous man, and kind soul," the Chiefs posted on Tuesday. "We're deeply saddened to hear of his passing, and our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends."

Bailey played college football for the Miami Hurricanes before Kansas City drafted him with the No. 86 pick in 2011. He recorded 19.5 sacks, 33 quarterback hits, and seven fumble recoveries in 102 games with the Chiefs before spending his final two seasons with the Atlanta Falcons in 2019 and 2020.

“Way too young, obviously," Chiefs head coach Andy Reid told reporters on Wednesday. "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. The star quarterback celebrated Bailey's impact on the team.

"I stepped into the locker room to see Allen Bailey and I'm like, this isn't the Big 12 anymore," Mahomes said. "It was surreal to see him. I tell that story every single year, so obviously it's terrible to hear the news that we heard. Great teammate. You see him, and he's one of those glue guys on the team. He makes plays. Not necessarily the superstar, but the guy that kind of makes everything go. It was terrible to hear that news a little later last night, and we're praying for his family."