Bobby Petrino said he is “heartbroken” upon hearing the news of the death of Ryan Mallett.

Mallett, the former Arkansas quarterback, died Tuesday after drowning in Florida. Petrino, who coached Mallett at Arkansas, tweeted how much his quarterback loved being a Razorback.

“I am heartbroken to hear of the passing of one of the greatest competitors I’ve had the privilege of coaching,” Petrino said. “Not only was Ryan a great leader and teammate on the field, he was a thoughtful and generous person off the field as well.

“Personally, I know how much he loved being a hog.”

Petrino even pointed to Mallett’s most memorable moment at Arkansas.

“I along with thousands of others will always remember 4th and 3 in Little Rock against LSU when he made the perfect pass to Joe to seal the win.”

The 6-foot-7 Mallett originally signed with Michigan but left the Wolverines after one season to return to Arkansas. Under Petrino, he passed for 7,493 yards and 69 touchdowns in two seasons.

After leading Arkansas to a 10-3 record and a berth in the Sugar Bowl in 2010, Mallett declared for the NFL draft. He was a third-round pick of the New England Patriots in 2011 and was traded to the Houston Texans in 2014 after three seasons backing up Tom Brady.

“My heart goes out to his family and to all of Hog nation tonight,” Petrino tweeted. “Gone but never forgotten. May you rest in peace buddy. Love you!”

Mark Heim is a reporter for The Alabama Media Group. Follow him on Twitter @Mark_Heim. He can be heard on “The Opening Kickoff” on WNSP-FM 105.5 FM in Mobile or on the free Sound of Mobile App from 6 to 9 a.m. daily.