Allen Bailey, a former defensive lineman for the Kansas City Chiefs and Atlanta Falcons, has died at age 37, his family confirmed.
Bailey, who was nicknamed “Hulk” because of his shockingly muscular physique, played college football at the University of Miami. Colin McCarthy, one of his former Hurricane teammates, first shared the news of Bailey’s passing on social media.
“Lost a fellow brother today… prayers to AB family! Love you Big Cuzzo!” McCarthy wrote.
Lost a fellow brother today… prayers to AB family! Love you Big Cuzzo! pic.twitter.com/Pez2kUV8A8
— Colin McCarthy (@COLINMcCARTHY52) October 21, 2026
Allen Bailey cause of death
No official cause of death has been revealed, but TMZ reports that Bailey’s family believes he died of natural causes.
Bailey’s brother Alford Bailey Jr. told the outlet that Allen’s wife found him dead inside their Florida home on Tuesday.
Tributes pour in
Social media has lit up this morning with messages of remembrance for Bailey, who played 10 years in the NFL from 2011-20.
“RIP Allen Bailey. Well-liked, respected, 10-year NFL vet. One of the most unique recruiting stories ever coming from Sapelo Island, Georgia to Miami. Only 37 years old. Praying for his family and loved ones,” said Canes in Sight.
“To say that Allen Bailey was built different is to severely understate the point. In a sport filled with physical freak shows, he stood out. Now, he’s gone at the age of 37,” added radio host Kurtis Seaboldt.
“An amazing person and one of my favorite Canes growing up. RIP Allen Bailey. Terrible, terrible news to wake up to,” said 247Sports’ Gaby Urrutia.
“Lost a teammate, a friend, a brother. God needed another angel. Rest easy, my brother,” Bailey’s former Chiefs teammate Jeff Allen said.
Bailey’s career was a unique one
Born on Sapelo Island, Georgia, which is accessible only by boat, Bailey was recruited to the University of Miami, where he earned All-ACC honors twice, including a first-team nod in 2009.
A third-round pick of the Chiefs in 2011, Bailey recorded 207 tackles and 19.5 sacks in 102 regular season games with the team. He finished out his career with two seasons in Atlanta, tacking on 41 tackles and 2.5 sacks.
