Will Malachi Jones Return To The Albany Empire In 2019?

We all watched in awe as Albany Empire rookie Wide Receiver Malachi Jones took the Arena Football League by storm and made it look easy. If you're like me you felt pride and excitement with a side of sadness when Jones got his shot with in the NFL with the Chicago Bears. on one hand it was great to see but on the other did this could of meant the end of Malachi in the AFL. Now that the Bears have released Jones which also causes a mix of happiness and sadness, the reigning AFL Rookie of the Year could be coming back to the Times Union Center.

In a press release from the Empire Malachi Jones and Head Coach rob Keefe addressed Jones' possible return.

“There is always the possibility to come back next season,” said Jones.  “Now I just have to see what happens and what opportunities come around in the next few months.  My time in Chicago was great and I am thankful to have the opportunity to keep pursuing my NFL dream.”

 

The Capital Region will embrace Jones should he decide to return to the Empire.  A fan favorite, Jones led the league in receiving yards (1,156) and total touchdowns (34).  He finished second in receiving touchdowns (29) and fourth in receptions (77). 

 

“Malachi took the league by storm last year and we would of course love to see him in an Empire uniform again next season,” said Rob Keefe, Head Coach of the Albany Empire.  “The whole organization is beyond proud of what he’s accomplished at this point in his career and we fully support whatever decision he makes as he continues to work towards his goal of being in the NFL.”

 

Currently, no players are eligible to be assigned to any team in the AFL.  The “no contact period” for the league will remain in effect until all offseason dates and events have been finalized by the Board of Directors.