ex-Redskin Kevin Mitchell R.I.P.

[redskinsfanatic]

here's what the redskins offical site has released.

Former Redskins LB Mitchell Passes Away


April 30, 2007



As a rookie special teamer with the San Francisco 49ers, Kevin Mitchell made it into Super Bowl XXIX, the one in which the 49ers buried San Diego 49-26.


As a veteran linebacker with the Redskins, Mitchell made the pivotal play in the heralded 2000 Baltimore-Washington clash at FedExField. His end zone interception of a Tony Banks pass sparked the Redskins to a 10-3 win in one of the best games ever staged at FedExField.

And yet, it's a true oversight to speak of Kevin Mitchell as just an NFL player. He was that, and much more.

The entire Redskins organization was shocked and saddened to learn of Mitchell's passing on Monday morning. He was 36.


Kevin Mitchell
"Kevin and his family are in my thoughts and prayers today, and in the prayers of the entire Redskins organization," owner Daniel M. Snyder said. "He was one of the first players I bonded with and was a great family man.

"Anyone who knew him was touched by his smile, joy for life and love of his family. Anyone who ever played with him or against him never forgot it. He earned our deepest respect."

Mitchell, who played with the Redskins between 2000-03, should be remembered as a kind-hearted and outgoing sort, a devoted family man with strong religious and spiritual roots.

A native of Harrisburg, Pa., Mitchell was drafted on the second round of the 1994 NFL Draft by San Francisco, who had high hopes for the 6-1, 260-pound linebacker out of Syracuse.

He came to the Redskins six years later in a deal orchestrated by Vinny Cerrato, currently the Redskins' vice president of football operations and formerly a 49ers administrator.

With the Redskins, Mitchell formed a close bond with players such as LaVar Arrington, Shawn Barber, Kenard Lang, James Thrash, Eddie Mason and others, who referred to themselves as the "20147 gang," owing to the Ashburn, Va., zip code.

Following his playing days, Mitchell continued to live in the Ashburn area. He made a brief visit to Redskin Park one day this offseason, and anyone who spotted him in the building that day came upon that infectious smile.

A true fan of all professional sports, Mitchell always enjoyed discussing NBA developments. If you wanted to draw him into a good-natured argument, all you had to do was challenge him regarding the L.A. Lakers, his favorite NBA team, or Kobe Bryant.

In 1998-99. Mitchell played for the New Orleans Saints. During that period the Saints had another Mitchell at linebacker, Keith Mitchell out of Texas A&M. Years later, Kevin Mitchell used to joke about how frequently he was mistaken for his New Orleans teammate with the same surname and a similar first name.

Mitchell hasn't been a part of the Redskins since the 2004 training camp. And yet, that day this offseason when he visited Redskins Park, it was as if he had never left the premises.

His legacy within the organization: he was a solid football player but even more so an outstanding person.

[Redskins_P]

Truly sad. I remember him very well. May he rest in peace.

Anyone know what he died of?

[RMSkins]

Horrible news, Kevin was from my hometown. RIP.

[Longtimefan]

Always admired his ability and attitude. He'll be missed, my prayers go out to his family. May he RIP.

[Gmanc711]

Damn....RIP

[Gmanc711]

Cause of death, Massive Heart Attack

Family member: Kevin Mitchell dead of heart attack - Breaking News with the Patriot-News

[skinsfan_nn]

Man, 36 years young and a massive heart attack, ya never know. Very Sad.

[hesscl34]

Originally Posted by skinsfan_nn

Man, 36 years young and a massive heart attack, ya never know. Very Sad.

Eat your greens boys!!!!

[Southpaw]

Originally Posted by Gmanc711

Cause of death, Massive Heart Attack

Family member: Kevin Mitchell dead of heart attack - Breaking News with the Patriot-News

I don't want to turn this thread in the wrong direction because I was always a fan of Kevin Mitchell, but when a 36 year old former athlete who was healthy enough to last 11 seasons in the NFL dies suddenly of a heart attack, it usually points to organ damage from extensive steroid use.

That being said, it could also have been an undiagnosed heart condition.

[Rajmahal33]

Its much to early to suggest that until they do an autopsy and official results are released. It's also not uncommon for athletes in general to have heart problems b/c of the physical stress that training puts on your body. At any rate I remember Mitchell pretty well and my thoughts go out to his family. Truly is a tragedy for someone to be taken away so young.

[freddyg12]

I always remember him for that INT in the Baltimore game of 2000, the year they won it all.
VEry sad,way too young to go. RIP

[MTK]

Too young to go, wonder if he had some underlying heart problems.

[Jamaican'Skin]

Good player, great man. RIP

[skinsguy]

RIP Kevin Mitchell. Too many young people dying this year!!!

[itvnetop]

R.I.P. K-Mitch... I will remember his consistent play throughout his tenure.