Albany's Malachi Jones Named Rookie of the Year

Monday July 23, 2018

 Jones surpasses 1,000 yard reception mark in his rookie year

LAS VEGAS – The Arena Football League has announced that Albany Empire wide receiver Malachi Jones has been named 2018 AFL Rookie of the Year. Jones becomes the second straight Rookie of the Year to come from an expansion team.

Jones (6’3, 215, Appalachian State) appeared in all 12 games for the Empire this season and led the League in reception yards (1,156), receiving yards per game (96.3), and yards per catch (15.0). The rookie ranked second in receiving touchdowns (29) and all-purpose yards (1,196). Jones was also named the 2018 AFL Receiver of the Year and led Albany in rushing touchdowns (5).

ABOUT THE AFL

The Arena Football League will enter its 31st Season in 2018. Since its inception in 1987, the Arena Football League has showcased a fast-paced and exciting game to millions of fans in a myriad of markets across the country. Teams slated for 2018 include: Albany, Baltimore, Philadelphia, and Washington D.C. CBS Sports Network nationally broadcasts AFL games each week, culminating with the ArenaBowl. The AFL launched AFLNow, the League’s streaming “Over-the-Top” network to give fans even more access to the League on arenafootball.com. For all the latest news and discussion on the Arena Football League follow the AFL on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram (@aflarenaball).