On Tuesday night, tributes began pouring out for former Kansas City Chiefs defensive lineman Allen Bailey. Former NFL and college teammates were paying their respects to Bailey, who has reportedly passed away.
Bailey was just 37 years old. At the time of this posting, no cause of death has been confirmed, but several people close to him have acknowledged his death.
Among the first to honor Bailey was Colin McCarthy, his former college football teammate with the Miami Hurricanes. “Lost a fellow brother today,” McCarthy wrote on X. “Prayers to AB family! Love you Big Cuzzo!”
Jeff Allen, who was selected by the Chiefs in the second round of the 2012 NFL Draft, also paid his respects. Allen, who spent two years in Kansas City, wrote: “Lost a teammate, a friend, a brother. God needed another angel. Rest easy, my brother.”
Allen Bailey’s Unique Journey To NFL
Bailey grew up on Sapelo Island, Georgia, which you can only access by ferry reservations, or a pre-registered tour approved by state officials, the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, or an island resident. The listed population is just 70 residents, though Bailey has said the real number is in the 50s.
Despite the small, secluded community Bailey grew up in, he blossomed into an incredible talent. He didn’t play organized football until seventh grade, but eventually was recruited by the University of Miami and went on to star for the Hurricanes.
Bailey earned first-team All-ACC honors before going on to have a 10-year NFL career.
Our deepest condolences go out to Bailey’s family and friends during this incredibly difficult and tragic time.
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