McIntosh’s favored son, Allen Bailey,

passes unexpectedly on Oct. 20

McIntosh County’s is shocked and saddened with the news that its much loved football hero, Allen Bailey, 37, died unexpectedly on Tuesday, Oct. 20.

The Hog Hammock native began his football career playing at McIntosh County Academy as a linebacker and fullback. He didn’t get to play but four games his senior year because of a stress fracture to his back, but his junior year he had totaled 138 tackles and three sacks.

Off he went to the University of Miami on a full football scholarship in 2007. In 2009, he received first-team All-ACC honors, and in 2010, he received second-team All-Acc honors.

In 2011, right before the NFL draft in April, The Darien News interviewed Bailey as he readied for the draft.

He said, “I feel great about it. I feel blessed. I mean, it’s still a blessing to be where I’m at right now, with school and football.”

Bailey was selected in the third round of the 2011 NFL draft by the Kansas City Chiefs. He played eight seasons for the Chiefs. During his play he was credited with 207 tackles, 19.5 sacks, six passes defended, four forced fumbles and a defensive touchdown when he scooped up a fourth-quarter fumble by the Los Angels Rams and took the ball to the end zone.

After his first season, the McIntosh community held an Allen Bailey Day on Sapelo in Hog Hammock to celebrate the man who used his God-given talents. New entrance signs placed in Hog Hammock declared “Home of Allen Bailey – Kansas City Chiefs.”

In 2018, he signed with the Atlanta Falcons where he played for two years.

He shared his successes with his community while holding football camps, bringing with him his teammates, to McIntosh County Academy. Bailey also established the Allen Bailey Foundation, with its vision to uplift youth and families toward brighter futures through community service.

The community prays for God’s comfort and peace for the family during this difficult time.