Former Kansas City Chiefs Player Allen Bailey Dead at 37

Oct 21, 2026 - 22:06

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Former Kansas City Chiefs Player Allen Bailey Dead at 37

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The NFL community is mourning a tragic loss.

Allen Bailey, a former defensive end who spent eight seasons with the Kansas City Chiefs and two seasons with the Atlanta Falcons until 2020, was found dead Oct. 20 by his wife Lauren Bailey inside their Florida home, his brother Alford Bailey Jr. confirmed to TMZ. He was 37.

The family said they believe Allen died of natural causes. No official cause of death was given.

Amid the heartbreaking loss, the former NFL star’s cousin Antoine Armstrong shared he “couldn’t believe it” after learning the news.

“You showed everyone what it looked like to live out a dream…from being drafted by the Atlanta Falcons to playing for the Kansas City Chiefs,” he wrote on Facebook Oct. 20. “You gave so many people someone to cheer for and a reason to believe their dreams were possible, too.”

Armstrong added, “You were a light, and the love you shared and the lives you touched will not be forgotten. Rest easy, cousin. I’ll never forget all the times we had together growing up bro.”

Members of the Kansas City Chiefs family also paid their condolences to Allen’s family.

“Sad news, the passing of Allen Bailey,” head coach Andy Reid began his Oct. 21 press conference. “Our hearts go out to his family. Prayers are with them.”

Tom Szczerbowski/Getty Images

Reid also reflected on the defensive end, noting Allen was one of his favorite players and calling him a “great kid” who died “way too young.”

Quarterback Patrick Mahomes—who played with Allen during the 2017 and 2018 seasons—also recalled his relationship with Allen, noting he’d cherish the time he had with the defensive end.

“Obviously it’s terrible to hear the news that we heard,” he said during the press conference. “[He was] a great teammate. I mean, you see him and he’s one of those glue guys on the team. He makes plays. Not necessarily the superstar, but the guy that makes everything go.”

Mahomes added, “We’re praying for his family. And know that all his teammates, we’ve talked and we know that we’re gonna do whatever we can to support those guys.”

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