Immediate reaction from teams and teammates
Allen Bailey, the former Kansas City Chiefs defensive end, has died at the age of 37. He was found at his Florida home, and his family told TMZ they believe he died from natural causes; no official cause has been released.
The Chiefs posted on social media Wednesday, calling Bailey “an excellent teammate, generous man, and kind soul.” The Atlanta Falcons also shared condolences, posting “Rest in peace, Allen Bailey,” and adding that they “send our deepest condolences to his family and friends.”
Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes, who was Bailey’s teammate for two seasons, said Bailey was the first person he saw when he entered the locker room after being drafted in 2017. Mahomes called the moment “surreal” and remembered Bailey as “a great teammate” and “one of those glue guys on the team.” He added that teammates have discussed doing whatever they can to support Bailey’s family.
Coach Andy Reid opened his Wednesday news conference expressing his sorrow. “Sad news, passing of Allen Bailey. Our hearts go out to his family, prayers with them. Way too young, obviously, one of my favorite players, great, great kid,” Reid said. Reid called the situation “a sad deal” because Bailey left behind a family.
Career, numbers and on-field legacy
Kansas City selected Bailey in the third round of the 2011 NFL Draft out of Miami. He played eight seasons with the Chiefs (2011–18) before finishing his career with the Atlanta Falcons (2019–20).
Across 133 regular-season games (70 starts) for the Chiefs and Falcons, Bailey totaled 248 tackles, 22 sacks, 40 tackles for loss, 40 quarterback hits, four forced fumbles and seven fumble recoveries — one of which he returned for a touchdown. He also appeared in six playoff games (five starts), compiling 10 tackles, two sacks and two forced fumbles.
Bailey was a steady presence on the Kansas City line during his eight seasons with the franchise.
Teammates and coaches emphasized Bailey’s role beyond the stat sheet — a veteran presence who helped set the tone in the locker room and on the defensive front. Mahomes and others framed him as the kind of player who made plays and held a squad together, even if he wasn’t always the flashiest name on the roster.
As the NFL community processes the news, the Chiefs and former teammates have pledged support for Bailey’s family and remembered a career that combined on-field production with quiet leadership.
