Former Arizona standout defensive back Kelly Malveaux died on Wednesday. Several ofΒ Malveaux's former UA teammates, including former defensive Brandon Sanders, posted Malveaux's passing on social media. Malveaux was 47.
The cause of death is unknown.
The Long Beach, California native played defensive back for the Wildcats from 1994-97, the tail end of the "Desert Swarm" era and just before Arizona's 12-1 season that ended with the UA knocking off Nebraska in the Holiday Bowl.Β
Arizona's Kelly Malveaux shows his disappointment after the Wildcats' loss to Washington in 1997.
Malveaux started five games as a freshman in 1994, then started every contest the final three seasons. He has the third-most career pass breakups by a Wildcat (35).Β Malveaux also finished his UA career with 143 tackles and three interceptions.
Malveaux helped the Wildcats to two bowl appearances: a 16-13 loss to Utah at the Freedom Bowl in Anaheim, California, and a 20-14 win over New Mexico at the Insight.com Bowl held at Arizona Stadium in 1997.
Arizona defensive back Kelly Malveaux (21) brings down Washington's Rashaan Shehee as UA teammate David Fipp (23) closes in during first half action on Oct. 18, 1997.
As a professional football player,Β Malveaux signed with the San Francisco 49ers' practice squad as a rookie free agent. Malveaux played for the Amsterdam Admirals of NFL Europe before a training camp stint with the New England Patriots in 2000. He was also drafted in the 20th round of the XFL's draft.Β
Malveaux spent most of his career playing in the Canadian Football League for the Winnipeg Blue Bombers and Calgary Stampeders.
Arizona defensive back Kelly Malveaux briefly relaxes during a UA football practice on Aug. 22, 1995.
