While growing up in Dallas, Maley played football during his time at Woodrow Wilson High School.[1] His high school football coach, Wade Thompson, described Maley as "a quiet boy."[1]
College career
Maley played for the Texas–Arlington Mavericks before later playing for the SMU Mustangs in 1941 and 1942.[2][3] During his time with the Mustangs, Maley was described by the Chicago Tribune as a "brilliant [...] triple threat."[4] On being a triple threat, he was noted for his passing, running, and punting.[1] As a sophomore, Maley sustained a "torn knee cartilage" during the 1941 season.[4]
His college career was interrupted by World War II, during which he spent time in the Marine Corps.[1] While he was serving in the Marine Corps, he was drafted by the NFL's Brooklyn Dodgers, who would play as the Tigers during the season he was drafted. He later returned to SMU and during his senior year, he was the leading punter in college football.[1] Wade Thompson stated, "I don't think SMU ever got all out of him that he had to give."[1]
The Yanks would utilize Maley in 1946 and 1947, primarily as a punter. Maley did, however, also register statistics in passing, rushing, receiving, punt returning, as well as kick returning.[2] Maley threw for 2 touchdowns and 3 interceptions in his career.[2] In 1947, Maley led the league in punting yards, with 3,731.[2] At the time, it was the most punting yards recorded in a single NFL season, until Pat Brady surpassed the mark in 1953.[7]