Article By David Hawkins
Former NFL defensive end Allen Bailey, who spent 10 seasons with the Kansas City Chiefs and Atlanta Falcons, has died at 37.
Bailey’s wife found him dead Tuesday inside their Florida home, according to TMZ.
His brother, Alford Bailey Jr., confirmed his death.
He said the family believes he died of “natural causes.”
However, an official cause of death has not been announced.
All other details regarding his unexpected passing have been withheld from the public.
A Decade on NFL Defensive Lines
The Chiefs selected Bailey in the third round of the 2011 NFL Draft following his college career at the University of Miami.
Bailey spent eight seasons in Kansas City.
He became a dependable presence along the defensive line as the franchise developed into a consistent playoff contender.
Bailey remained with the Chiefs through the 2018 season before signing with the Falcons in 2019.
He appeared in 31 games over two seasons with Atlanta before the team released him in 2021.
Across his professional career, Bailey played in 133 regular-season games.
He recorded 248 combined tackles and 22 sacks.
His decade in the league reflected his ability to compete at one of football’s most physically demanding positions, battling opposing offensive linemen and pressuring quarterbacks.
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. https://t.co/gdeSp5AxDX
— Kansas City Chiefs (@Chiefs) October 21, 2026
Sudden Death Rocks Pro Football
Tributes for Bailey have been pouring in as the sports world mourns his sudden death.
Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes shared his first memory of Bailey after being drafted in 2017.
“I step in the locker room and see Allen Bailey, and I’m like, ‘This isn’t the Big 12 anymore,’” Mahomes shared.
Bailey stood 6-foot-3 and weighed 288 pounds.
Mahomes says he still tells that story to young quarterbacks every year.
He also called Bailey a great teammate and one of the glue guys who kept the team together.
WATCH:
HEARTBREAKING: #Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes shared his first memory of the late Allen Bailey after being drafted in 2017. “I step in the locker room and see Allen Bailey, and I’m like, ‘This isn’t the Big 12 anymore.’” Bailey stood 6-foot-3 and weighed 288 pounds. Mahomes says he still tells that story to young quarterbacks every year. Pat also called Bailey a great teammate and one of the glue guys who kept the team together. Rest in peace, Allen Bailey. 💔🕊️
— MLFootball (@MLFootball) October 21, 2026
Bailey was born March 25, 1989, on Sapelo Island, Georgia, a small coastal community.
He attended McIntosh County Academy before playing for the Miami Hurricanes.
In Miami, his performance helped establish him as an NFL prospect.
His third-round selection launched a career that took him from Georgia to Miami, Kansas City, and Atlanta.
Bailey’s death came five years after his departure from the NFL.
His family has not publicly disclosed a specific medical condition.
It’s unclear which natural cause could have led to his sudden death at just 37 years old.
Additional details surrounding his death have not been released.
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