Art Malone Dead At 64, NFL Mourns Running Backs Death

Art Malone, the former NFL and Arizona State running back has passed away at the age of 64.

Malone’s death was announced on Tuesday by his former alma mater.

Malone played with the Arizona Sun Devils from 1967 to 1969 where he ranked seventh on the schools all time rushing list with 2,649 yards. Malone was most impressive in 1968 when he rushed for 1,431 years and 239 yards against New Mexico, the third-most in school history. Malone had the privilege of learning the game under the tutelage of legendary ASU coach Frank Kush.

After leaving Arizona the running back was chosen in the second round of the NFL draft by the Atlanta Falcons. During his seven-year NFL career Art Malone rushed for 2,457 yards and 19 touchdowns with Atlanta over five seasons and with Philadelphia over two seasons. Malone also caught 161 passes for 1,465 yards and six touchdowns.  Malone’s best season came in 1972 when he rushed for 798 yards with eight touchdowns and 50 caught passes for 585 yards.

Malone came from a football family, his brother Ben Malone spent seven seasons split between Miami Dolphins and the Washington Redskins. Both brothers played college ball for the Arizona Sun Devils.

No cause of death has been announced at this time. The NFL has come under increased scrutiny in recent years however as the number of players passing away below the national life-expectancy average continues to increase at an alarming rate.

A memorial service for Art Malone will be held this coming Saturday at 10 a.m. at Resthaven Park Mortuary and Cemetery, 4310 East Southern Ave., Phoenix.