Pro Football Hall of Fame halfback Bobby Mitchell passes away at age 84

Bobby Mitchell (Google Images)

One of the National Football League’s most recognizable trail blazers has passed away. On Sunday, according to CNN, offensive star Bobby Mitchell of Hot Springs, Arkansas died at the age of 84.

Mitchell was the first African-American to ever play with the Washington Redskins in 1962. He began his career with the Cleveland Browns from 1958 to 1961.

In four seasons while in Ohio, Mitchell was a running back (at the time known as a halfback). He had 423 carries for 2297 yards and 16 touchdowns.

However, when Mitchell was traded to the Redskins in 1962, Mitchell changed positions. He became a wide receiver, which at the time was known as a flanker. Over the next three seasons in the NFL, Mitchell was able to put together a hall of fame caliber career. In 1962, he led the NFL in receptions (72), receiving yards (1384) and receiving yards per game (98.9). In 1963, Mitchell once again led the NFL in receiving yards (1436) and receiving yards per game (102.6). Then in 1964, Mitchell led the NFL in touchdown receptions with 10.

In 11 NFL seasons, Mitchell was selected to the Pro Bowl with the Browns in 1960 and then three straight seasons with the Redskins from 1962 to 1964. He finished his career with 521 catches for 7954 yards and 65 touchdown catches, along with 513 rushes for 2735 yards and 18 touchdowns. Mitchell was then inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio in 1983.

A multi-sport athlete, Mitchell was offered a contract by the St. Louis Cardinals to play baseball, but decided an education was important, and attended the University of Illinois from 1955 to 1958. While with the Fighting Illini, Mitchell also starred in athletics. On February 15, 1958, Mitchell set the world record in the 70 yard low hurdles with a time of 7.7 seconds in a race at Champaign, Illinois.

After his playing career, Mitchell was with the Redskins organization from 1969 to 2003. He was initially a pro scout and later assistant general manager.