Hall of Fame HB Bobby Mitchell dies at 84

[MikefromOH]

The Pro Football Hall of Fame announced the passing of Hall of Famer Bobby Mitchell on Sunday afternoon at the age of 84.

"The entire Pro Football Hall of Fame family mourns the passing of Bobby Mitchell. The Game lost a true legend today," Hall of Fame President and CEO David Baker said in a statement. "Bobby was an incredible player, a talented executive and a real gentleman to everyone with whom he worked or competed against. His wife Gwen and their entire family remain in our thoughts and prayers. The Hall of Fame will forever keep his legacy alive to serve as inspiration to future generations."

Throughout his illustrious 11-year career, Mitchell was a primetime talent, finding success as both a halfback and flanker for the Cleveland Browns (1958-61) and Washington Redskins (1962-68). He was enshrined into the Hall of Fame in 1983.

Mitchell earned four Pro Bowl nods, three first-team and two second-team All-Pro selections, and was the receptions leader in 1962, as well as the league leader in receiving yards that season and again in 1963. He is also a member of both the Redskins' Ring of Fame and the Browns' Ring of Honor.

Following the end of his career, Mitchell transitioned into an executive role with Redskins in 1969, per the request of then-head coach Vince Lombardi. He would work for the organization for the next 34 years, serving as a pro scout and eventually moving up to assistant general manager in 1981. He won three Super Bowl rings as an exec in Washington.

Hall of Fame HB Bobby Mitchell dies at 84

The Pro Football Hall of Fame announced the passing of Hall of Famer Bobby Mitchell on Sunday afternoon at the age of 84. Mitchell played 11 seasons in the NFL as a member of the Browns and Redskins.

www.nfl.com

 

[Bulldog]

Mitchell always seemed to get lost in the hubbub after the Redskins started to contend under Allen and then Gibbs.

In his first 2 years here he caught 1,384 and 1,436 yards in passes.

For a 12 game season those numbers are other worldly.

It’s a shame Cerrato allowed Leonard Stephens a backup TE to wear #49 in the early 2000’s.

It caused an unnecessary rift with the organization which I don’t think was ever completely rectified.

RIP

 

[Riggotoni]

I would like to see a parallel universe where Mitchell gets promoted to GM over Casserly. Hiring Beathard instead of Mitchell was obviously the right move, but despite finding a handful of late round gems, Casserly was an awful GM who whiffed on his top pick every year until he hit gold his last year with Bailey and Jansen (and in a change of pace, all his lower picks were busts). He also gave record contracts to Stubblefield and Big Daddy Wilkinson (along with a 1st and a 3rd). Would Mitchell have done better? Inquiring minds wish we could know.

 

[riggins44]

He was a joy and fun to watch