Former Chiefs Defensive End Allen Bailey Dies at 37

Former Kansas City Chiefs defensive end Allen Bailey has died at 37 after his wife found him dead at their Florida home on Tuesday. Bailey spent eight of his 10 NFL seasons with Kansas City before finishing his career with the Atlanta Falcons, according to ESPN. His family believes he died of natural causes, but officials had not released an official cause of death as of Wednesday afternoon.

Bailey entered the NFL with the Chiefs in 2011 and played 133 games during his professional career. According to his career statistics, he recorded 22 sacks, seven fumble recoveries and 40 tackles for loss.

His strongest statistical season came in 2018, when he posted career highs of six sacks and 10 quarterback hits. He also recovered four fumbles that season, returning one for a touchdown.

Kansas City coach Andy Reid expressed his condolences Wednesday, remembering Bailey as a valued member of the team and expressing sympathy for his family.

"Our hearts go out to his family, and our prayers are with them," Reid said. "Way too young, obviously. He was one of my favorite players, a great kid. I'm just sorry to see that happened to him."

Reid also reflected on the loss of a player who had a family of his own. He noted that Bailey's father had also died at a young age.

"It's terrible, especially with all the good he [did]," Reid said of Bailey's death. "He's got a family and that's a sad deal. I know his father passed away young, too. It makes you sick when it happens to somebody that young."

Patrick Mahomes, who played alongside Bailey for two seasons in Kansas City, also remembered his former teammate. Mahomes recalled seeing Bailey in the locker room after the 2017 NFL draft, an experience that left a lasting impression on the young quarterback.

"I tell this story every year: He was the first person I saw when I stepped into the locker room after the [2017] draft," Mahomes said. "I see Allen Bailey and I'm like, 'This isn't the Big 12 anymore.' It was surreal to see him.

"Obviously, it's terrible to hear the news. A great teammate -- he's one of those glue guys on the team. He makes plays.

He's not necessarily a superstar, but the guy that kind of makes everything go. We're praying for his family. [As] teammates, we've talked and we know that we're going to do whatever we can to support those guys."

Bailey's death also prompted tributes from several former Kansas City teammates, including pass rusher Chris Jones, former receiver Dwayne Bowe, center Mitch Morse and right tackle Mitchell Schwartz. They expressed appreciation for his energetic personality and the relationships he built during his time with the Chiefs.

After eight seasons in Kansas City, Bailey spent his final two NFL seasons with Atlanta. His career totals included 22 sacks across 133 games, along with seven fumble recoveries and 40 tackles for loss, according to ESPN.