TEMPE, Ariz. – Arizona State Athletics mourns the loss of former Sun Devil Football player Benny Malone, who passed away at the age of 68 earlier this week after a long battle with Diabetes.
Malone starred at Arizona State from 1971-73, playing running back under legendary Head Coach Frank Kush. He was a key part of one of the most successful eras in the history of the Sun Devil Football program. Arizona State compiled an incredible 32-4 record, winning the Fiesta Bowl in each of the three seasons that Malone was a member of the backfield.
In 1983, Benny Malone was inducted into the Sun Devil Athletics Hall of Fame in his first year of eligibility. Despite his career ending over 40 years ago, some of Malone's incredible rushing numbers help him remain near the top of the school record book. Before Eno Benjamin's 312-yard effort against Oregon State in 2018, it was Malone who held the single-game record for most rushing yards. Known for his explosiveness dating back to his days as a high school track star, he held the program record for 45 years. During a record-setting day on the road at Oregon State (Oct. 27, 1973), Malone ran for 250 yards (on only 24 carries), breaking Leon Burton's 18-year-old school record. Malone also rushed for five touchdowns that day, matching another school record at the time. The 250-yard performance was one of ten 100-yard rushing games in his career, putting him in the Top-10 in program history for the category.
Malone finished his outstanding career with 2,328 rushing yards on 347 carries, scoring 25 touchdowns. He enjoyed a breakout senior season in 1973 that saw him run for 1,129 yards, joining an exclusive club of Sun Devils to finish a season with at least 1,000 yards rushing. Teaming up with fellow Sun Devil Athletics Hall of Famer Woody Green, the duo form one of the most feared backfields in the nation. In 1973, they combined for 2,499 yards, the most total yardage by a pair of running backs in the same season in school history. Malone immediately showed off his big-play ability in his first season on the Arizona State varsity team, rushing for 857 yards on 8.2 yards/attempt in 1971.
The Malone name is all over the Sun Devil Football record book. Benny Malone and his brother, Art, represent one of the most iconic sets of siblings in the history of Sun Devil Athletics. Art Malone, who passed away in 2012, played at ASU from 1967-69 and is celebrated as one of the greatest running backs to ever wear the Maroon & Gold. Benny followed in his brother's footsteps, putting together one of the best careers ever by a Sun Devil running back.
After graduating from Arizona State with a degree in education, Malone pursued a career in professional football. He was drafted in the second round of the 1974 NFL Draft by the Miami Dolphins with the 47th overall pick. Malone would go on to enjoy a successful six-year NFL career, playing for both the Miami Dolphins and Washington Redskins. He was a member of the Dolphins from 1974-1977, before being traded to the Washington Redskins 6 games into the 1978 season. He played his final professional season with the Redskins in 1979, retiring after six seasons. During his 82-game NFL career, he rushed for 2,693 yards and 19 touchdowns on 706 carries. His 2,693 career rushing yards in the NFL are the fifth-most ever by a former Sun Devil.
Following his professional football career, Malone remained in the valley, staying involved in the community. Initially, he taught in the Tempe School District, mentoring and educating his students. After he stopped teaching, he continued to give back through his new business. Malone and his wife Laura, started a business which makes and sells custom T-Shirts. The Malone family has operated "Major T's" for over 30 years, recently changing names to Malone Sports and Print. Part of their charitable endeavors included donating new clothing to victims of Hurricane Katrina as well as the Salvation Army.
Prior to his time at Arizona State, Malone was recognized as one of the greatest all-around athletes in Arizona High School sports history. Growing up in Eloy, Arizona, he attended Santa Cruz Valley Union High School, where he was an All-State football player and track star.
In his first varsity football game as a sophomore, Malone reportedly had 275 yards rushing, giving everyone a glimpse at his potential on the gridiron. The two-time First Team All-State selection was tabbed as Southern Arizona's top running back in each of his final two seasons. As a junior in 1969, Malone led the Dust Devils to a win over Ajo in the 3A State Championship game. During his senior season, he earned High School All American honors from Scholastic Coach Magazine. According to a 2017 list published by the Arizona Republic, Malone is recognized as the eighth-best running back in the history of Arizona High School sports.
Not only was he turning heads on the football field, the multi-sport star was one of the state's top track & field athletes. The four-year letterman was the 1970 State Champion in high and low hurdles, as well as shot put. The Dust Devils won back-to-back Arizona High School Boys' Track & Field State Championships in Malone's final two years, thanks in large part to the points he accumulated. Because of his significant contributions while at Santa Cruz Valley Union High School, he was inducted into the SC Hall of Fame in 2010.
Malone is survived by his wife, Laura, who was his childhood sweetheart and a fellow Eloy native. The couple has seven children and nine grandchildren. Information regarding services is pending.
Malone starred at Arizona State from 1971-73, playing running back under legendary Head Coach Frank Kush. He was a key part of one of the most successful eras in the history of the Sun Devil Football program. Arizona State compiled an incredible 32-4 record, winning the Fiesta Bowl in each of the three seasons that Malone was a member of the backfield.
In 1983, Benny Malone was inducted into the Sun Devil Athletics Hall of Fame in his first year of eligibility. Despite his career ending over 40 years ago, some of Malone's incredible rushing numbers help him remain near the top of the school record book. Before Eno Benjamin's 312-yard effort against Oregon State in 2018, it was Malone who held the single-game record for most rushing yards. Known for his explosiveness dating back to his days as a high school track star, he held the program record for 45 years. During a record-setting day on the road at Oregon State (Oct. 27, 1973), Malone ran for 250 yards (on only 24 carries), breaking Leon Burton's 18-year-old school record. Malone also rushed for five touchdowns that day, matching another school record at the time. The 250-yard performance was one of ten 100-yard rushing games in his career, putting him in the Top-10 in program history for the category.
Malone finished his outstanding career with 2,328 rushing yards on 347 carries, scoring 25 touchdowns. He enjoyed a breakout senior season in 1973 that saw him run for 1,129 yards, joining an exclusive club of Sun Devils to finish a season with at least 1,000 yards rushing. Teaming up with fellow Sun Devil Athletics Hall of Famer Woody Green, the duo form one of the most feared backfields in the nation. In 1973, they combined for 2,499 yards, the most total yardage by a pair of running backs in the same season in school history. Malone immediately showed off his big-play ability in his first season on the Arizona State varsity team, rushing for 857 yards on 8.2 yards/attempt in 1971.
The Malone name is all over the Sun Devil Football record book. Benny Malone and his brother, Art, represent one of the most iconic sets of siblings in the history of Sun Devil Athletics. Art Malone, who passed away in 2012, played at ASU from 1967-69 and is celebrated as one of the greatest running backs to ever wear the Maroon & Gold. Benny followed in his brother's footsteps, putting together one of the best careers ever by a Sun Devil running back.
After graduating from Arizona State with a degree in education, Malone pursued a career in professional football. He was drafted in the second round of the 1974 NFL Draft by the Miami Dolphins with the 47th overall pick. Malone would go on to enjoy a successful six-year NFL career, playing for both the Miami Dolphins and Washington Redskins. He was a member of the Dolphins from 1974-1977, before being traded to the Washington Redskins 6 games into the 1978 season. He played his final professional season with the Redskins in 1979, retiring after six seasons. During his 82-game NFL career, he rushed for 2,693 yards and 19 touchdowns on 706 carries. His 2,693 career rushing yards in the NFL are the fifth-most ever by a former Sun Devil.
Following his professional football career, Malone remained in the valley, staying involved in the community. Initially, he taught in the Tempe School District, mentoring and educating his students. After he stopped teaching, he continued to give back through his new business. Malone and his wife Laura, started a business which makes and sells custom T-Shirts. The Malone family has operated "Major T's" for over 30 years, recently changing names to Malone Sports and Print. Part of their charitable endeavors included donating new clothing to victims of Hurricane Katrina as well as the Salvation Army.
Prior to his time at Arizona State, Malone was recognized as one of the greatest all-around athletes in Arizona High School sports history. Growing up in Eloy, Arizona, he attended Santa Cruz Valley Union High School, where he was an All-State football player and track star.
In his first varsity football game as a sophomore, Malone reportedly had 275 yards rushing, giving everyone a glimpse at his potential on the gridiron. The two-time First Team All-State selection was tabbed as Southern Arizona's top running back in each of his final two seasons. As a junior in 1969, Malone led the Dust Devils to a win over Ajo in the 3A State Championship game. During his senior season, he earned High School All American honors from Scholastic Coach Magazine. According to a 2017 list published by the Arizona Republic, Malone is recognized as the eighth-best running back in the history of Arizona High School sports.
Not only was he turning heads on the football field, the multi-sport star was one of the state's top track & field athletes. The four-year letterman was the 1970 State Champion in high and low hurdles, as well as shot put. The Dust Devils won back-to-back Arizona High School Boys' Track & Field State Championships in Malone's final two years, thanks in large part to the points he accumulated. Because of his significant contributions while at Santa Cruz Valley Union High School, he was inducted into the SC Hall of Fame in 2010.
Malone is survived by his wife, Laura, who was his childhood sweetheart and a fellow Eloy native. The couple has seven children and nine grandchildren. Information regarding services is pending.