Robert Cecelia "Bobby" Mulgado, former Sun Devil Football team captain in an ASU career that spanned from 1954-57, passed away January 4, 2024. He was 87.
Mulgado was a staple on some of the winningest teams in Sun Devil history, captaining the 1957 team that went 10-0. Two years prior, he helped the Sun Devils to an 8-2-1 record, as he played for head coaches Clyde Smith (1954) and Dan Devine (1955-57). Mulgado was the team's leading rusher in the fall of 1956, totaling 721 yards on 107 carries and scoring eight times. A versatile athlete, Mulgado punted for a trio of seasons and returned punts, as well, reaching 267 total yards on 14 returns in 1957.
After graduating high school in his hometown McKeesport, Pennsylvania, Mulgado went west to ASU, in which he parlayed a successful collegiate career into a tenure in the National Football League. He was drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles in 1958 and also played Canadian Football for the Saskatchewan Roughriders and Hamilton Tiger-Cats, followed by a Pittsburgh team called the Duquesne Ironmen.
After he hung up the cleats, Mulgado served on the McKeesport Police Force for 30 years.
Mulgado was a staple on some of the winningest teams in Sun Devil history, captaining the 1957 team that went 10-0. Two years prior, he helped the Sun Devils to an 8-2-1 record, as he played for head coaches Clyde Smith (1954) and Dan Devine (1955-57). Mulgado was the team's leading rusher in the fall of 1956, totaling 721 yards on 107 carries and scoring eight times. A versatile athlete, Mulgado punted for a trio of seasons and returned punts, as well, reaching 267 total yards on 14 returns in 1957.
After graduating high school in his hometown McKeesport, Pennsylvania, Mulgado went west to ASU, in which he parlayed a successful collegiate career into a tenure in the National Football League. He was drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles in 1958 and also played Canadian Football for the Saskatchewan Roughriders and Hamilton Tiger-Cats, followed by a Pittsburgh team called the Duquesne Ironmen.
After he hung up the cleats, Mulgado served on the McKeesport Police Force for 30 years.
He is survived by his loving family; daughter, Leona Boynton, Jazzmin Gaston; granddaughter, Donalle Schley; great-grandson, Marc Davis, Jr.; two sisters, Dolores Sledge of McKeesport, Geraldine Currie of CA; brother, Mustafa Musa; nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.