Former Chiefs, Falcons defensive end Allen Bailey dead at 37

Former Kansas City Chiefs and defensive end Allen Bailey died Tuesday at 37.

Bailey's brother, Alford Bailey Jr., told TMZ that Bailey's wife found him dead at their Florida home on Tuesday. Bailey's family believes he died of natural causes, according to TMZ. No official cause of death has been released.

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

Bailey played in the NFL for 10 seasons. The Chiefs drafted him in the third round of the 2011 NFL Draft out of Miami.

Bailey spent the first eight seasons of his career with the Chiefs before signing a two-year, $10.5 million contract with the Falcons in 2019. In March 2020, the Falcons gave Bailey a one-year, $4.5 million contract extension, but released him in 2021 to save $4.5 million. He never played in the again.

In 10 seasons, Bailey played in 133 games (including 70 starts), recording 248 tackles and 22 sacks. Chiefs coach Andy Reid called him one of his favorite players.

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"Sad news, the passing of Allen Bailey. Our hearts go out to his family, prayers are with them. Way too young, obviously, one of my favorite players. Great kid, just sorry to see that happen to him," Reid told reporters on Wednesday.

Bailey stood 6 feet, 3 inches tall and weighed 288 pounds. Chiefs star quarterback recalled a humorous story about Bailey while speaking to reporters on Wednesday.

"I tell this story kind of like every year, with [the quarterbacks], he was the first person I saw when I stepped into the locker room, I think it was after one of the drafts, they were in OTAs. I stepped in the locker room to see Allen Bailey and Im like this isnt the Big 12 anymore. It was surreal to see him. I tell that story every single year," Mahomes told reporters on Wednesday.

"Obviously, its terrible to hear the news that we heard. A great teammate, you see him, hes one of the glue guys on the team. He makes plays, not necessarily the superstar but kind of the guy who makes everything go. It was terrible to hear that news later last night and were praying for his family, and know that as teammates we talked, and were going to do whatever we can to support those guys."