NFL

Former Kansas City Chiefs defensive end Allen Bailey dies at 37

  • Authored By: Sports Now
  • Updated Oct 22, 2026, 00:57 IST

Allen Bailey, who enjoyed a decade-long NFL career primarily with the Kansas City Chiefs, has passed away at age 37. Tributes have poured in from former teammates and head coach Andy Reid.

Former Kansas City Chiefs defensive end Allen Bailey dies at 37

The NFL community is mourning the loss of former defensive end Allen Bailey, who has died at the age of 37. Bailey, who spent the bulk of his 10-year professional career with the Kansas City Chiefs, was discovered at his Florida home on Tuesday by his wife. While an official cause of death has not yet been confirmed, his family has indicated to media outlets that they believe he passed away from natural causes.

News of his passing has prompted an outpouring of tributes from across the league, particularly from the Kansas City organization where he spent his first eight seasons. Chiefs head coach Andy Reid expressed his condolences on Wednesday, reflecting on the impact Bailey had on the team during his tenure. Reid described the former player as a favorite of his and a person of great character, noting the profound sadness of losing someone at such a young age.

A decade of contributions on the field

Bailey entered the NFL in 2011 and quickly established himself as a reliable presence on the defensive line. His most productive campaign came in 2018, a standout year in which he recorded a career-high six sacks, 10 quarterback hits, and four fumble recoveries, including one that he returned for a touchdown. Over the course of his 133-game career, which concluded with two seasons playing for the Atlanta Falcons, Bailey accumulated 22 sacks, 40 tackles for loss, and seven fumble recoveries.

Beyond the statistics, Bailey was remembered by his peers as a vital locker room presence. Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes shared a personal recollection of meeting Bailey shortly after being drafted in 2017, describing the defensive end as a quintessential teammate who helped anchor the squad. Former colleagues, including Chris Jones, Dwayne Bowe, Mitch Morse, and Mitchell Schwartz, also took to social media to honor his energetic personality and the positive influence he had on those around him. Coach Reid echoed these sentiments, highlighting the tragedy of the loss and offering support to the Bailey family during this difficult time.