By Darin 🏈 The Bear Who Rewrote the Record Books
In the late 1970s, the University of Central Arkansas found a weapon that most defenses simply couldn’t track. Ronnie Mallett, born in Pine Bluff, wasn’t just a wide receiver; he was a historic force of nature. Despite playing in an era where the ground game was king, Mallett’s “impeccable hands” and explosive speed allowed him to shatter school records and become the first three-time All-American in program history. Today, we celebrate the birth and the legendary legacy of the man who put Central Arkansas football on the national map.
Football Bio
January 20, 1960 – Pine Bluff, Arkansas – The talented wide receiver from the University of Central Arkansas, Ronnie Mallet, was born. According to his bio on the NFF’s website, Mallett earned First Team NAIA All-America honors from 1979-81, the first in school history to achieve the distinction three times. Ronnie still holds many receiving records at the school, including single-game receiving yards (242), career touchdown receptions (30), and career receiving yards (2,649). The National Football Foundation selected Ronnie Mallett to enter the College Football Hall of Fame in 2006 and become the 1st player from Central Arkansas to ever be inducted into the great museum of college gridiron legends.
A Pioneer of the Purple and Gray
Ronnie Mallett’s impact on the University of Central Arkansas (UCA) is difficult to overstate. Arriving at a time when the Bears averaged only 20 pass attempts per game, Mallett still managed to dominate the stat sheet. He helped guide his team to a remarkable 33-8-2 record over four seasons, securing three conference championships along the way. His ability to produce big plays was legendary; he still shares the school record with nine 100-yard receiving games and holds three of the program’s four all-time 200-yard performances.
Mallett’s professional journey took him to the NFL with the Seattle Seahawks and later to the USFL, where he played for the Oakland Invaders. However, it is his collegiate dominance that remains his most enduring legacy. By becoming the first UCA player inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame, Mallett paved the way for future generations of Bears to believe that greatness was possible in Conway, Arkansas.
Accolades and Football Accomplishments
- College Football Hall of Fame Inductee (Class of 2006)
- 3-time First Team NAIA All-American (1979, 1980, 1981)
- 3-time All-Arkansas Intercollegiate Conference Selection
- Central Arkansas Record: Single-Game Receiving Yards (242)
- Central Arkansas Record: Career Touchdown Receptions (30)
- Central Arkansas Record: Career Receiving Yards (2,649)
- 3-time Conference Champion (1978, 1980, 1981)
- Career Average of 27 Yards Per Catch (1980 Season)
- Oakland Invaders (USFL) Wide Receiver (1983)
