Former Chiefs lineman Allen Bailey reportedly dies at 37

Former Kansas City Chiefs defensive lineman Allen Bailey, who played for the team from 2011 to 2021, reportedly died at the age of 37 on Tuesday, according to TMZ. His brother, Alford, confirmed the news to the entertainment news website. Chiefs head coach Andy Reid confirmed Bailey’s passing to the media on Wednesday, describing him as "one of my favorite players" and a "great kid."

Reid coached Bailey from 2013 to 2018, during which time Bailey started 61 games for the Chiefs. Over his 10-season NFL career, Bailey accumulated 207 tackles, 19.5 sacks, 6 pass deflections, 4 forced fumbles, and 1 defensive touchdown. The touchdown occurred during a crucial moment in 2018 when the Chiefs trailed by three points against the Los Angeles Rams, as Bailey recovered a fumble by Jared Goff to give his team the lead, though they ultimately lost the game 54-51.

Bailey left the Chiefs following the 2018 season to sign with the Atlanta Falcons, where he added 41 tackles and 2.5 sacks over two years before being released ahead of the 2021 season. Prior to his NFL career, Bailey was a standout player at the University of Miami, earning first-team All-ACC honors in 2009 and second-team All-ACC honors in 2010.