WVU Sports Hall of Fame
John Mallory, voted WVU's 1967 football most valuable player, led the Mountaineers in punt returns from 1965-67 while excelling as a defensive back.
Intercepting 10 passes during his career, he returned 70 punts for 1,049 yards, scoring seven touchdowns - a school record. A two-year All-Southern Conference pick, he earned honorable mention All-America honors. He also lettered twice for the WVU track team.
His best season returning punts came in 1967 when he ran back 36 for 453 yards and two touchdowns to rank fifth nationally.
Of his seven punt returns for scores, his longest came during his junior season in 1966 when he brought one back 88 yards for a touchdown against The Citadel.
Mallory victimized The Citadel and Richmond twice and also returned punts for scores against George Washington, Virginia Tech and William & Maryl. In all, he scored 10 touchdowns three different ways: punt return, interception return and pass reception.
Drafted in the 10th round by the NFL's Philadelphia Eagles, he played in all 14 games his rookie season.
Traded the next year to Atlanta, he became the Falcons' all-time punt return leader. Mallory also played two seasons with the WFL's Houston Texans, recording seven interceptions.
