DeAngelo Malone

Linebacker · Western Kentucky

Western Kentucky's all-time sack leader and a two-time C-USA Defensive Player of the Year who has settled into a rotational role in Atlanta.

DeAngelo Malone was a dominant pass rusher at Western Kentucky, twice named the top defensive player in Conference USA, and Atlanta drafted him in the third round to bring that production to the pro level. His NFL career has been steadier than spectacular, built more on special teams value and situational pass rushing than the gaudy sack numbers he put up in college.

★ Western Kentucky all-time career sacks leader (34)

★ Two-time C-USA Defensive Player of the Year (2019, 2021)

★ Three-time First-team All-C-USA (2019-2021)

Path to the league

Malone starred for four seasons at Western Kentucky (2017-2021), becoming the program's all-time sacks leader. He was named C-USA Defensive Player of the Year twice, in 2019 and 2021, and earned first-team All-C-USA honors three times. Atlanta selected him in the third round (82nd overall) of the 2022 NFL Draft, a pick acquired via the Matt Ryan trade to Indianapolis.

Career highlights

Malone recorded his first NFL sack in Week 7 of his rookie season against Cincinnati. He has appeared in every game across his first several seasons with the Falcons, developing into a valued special-teams contributor while working in as a situational edge rusher. He recorded his first career interception in Week 6 of 2025 against Josh Allen and the Buffalo Bills.

2025 season recap

Malone's 2025 season included a highlight-reel interception off Josh Allen before an ankle injury landed him on injured reserve in mid-November. He re-signed with Atlanta on a one-year contract in April 2026. His career totals through 2025 stand at 51 tackles and 3 sacks across 49 games.