NFL Mourns The Death Of Redskins Great Bobby Mitchell

Apr 05, 2020 at 10:44 PM

Zach Selby

Senior Writer

Washington Redskins Ring of Fame honoree and Pro Football Hall of Famer Bobby Mitchell passed away Sunday afternoon. He was 84.

Mitchell, who spent 40 years with the Redskins as a player and front office executive, was the first African-American to play for the franchise and is considered to be one of its all-time greatest players. Following the official announcement of Mitchell's death, local and national media members, fellow Hall of Famers and current players took to social media to express their admiration, offer their condolences and celebrate his legacy.

Statement from owner Dan Snyder on the passing of Redskins Ring of Fame and Pro Football Hall of Famer Bobby Mitchell pic.twitter.com/xiPUuTxs9t
— Washington Redskins (@Redskins) April 6, 2020

Hall of Famer and NFL Legend Bobby Mitchell has passed away at the age of 84.

More: https://t.co/8c1FaCdOeT pic.twitter.com/wrN1kH8UPl
— Pro Football Hall of Fame (@ProFootballHOF) April 6, 2020

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Statement From Washington Redskins Owner Dan Snyder On The Passing Of Hall Of Famer Bobby Mitchell

So very very sad to hear of the passing of Bobby Mitchell, one of the great players ever, one of the great football minds ever and one tremendous man.
— Michael Wilbon (@RealMikeWilbon) April 6, 2020

So sorry to hear of the passing former @Redskins Bobby Mitchell. I worked with Bobby for 23 years. He was a friend and mentor. What I remember most was his guidance and support when I was an Intern. He was a Hall of Famer on the field and off! @nflnetwork
— Charley Casserly (@CharleyCasserly) April 6, 2020

Bobby Mitchell. pic.twitter.com/mGVy0ksOHO
— George Wallace (@GWallaceWTOP) April 6, 2020

I will really miss him. Bobby was TOTALLY a class act. He was an awesome player, Social activist, philanthropist , and OUT OF THIS WORLD man. My condolences go out to Gwen and the family!! https://t.co/xjQ4feG1Wi
— Brian Mitchell (@BMitchliveNBCS) April 6, 2020

At times it is hard to imagine another’s struggle. The courage their life demanded. Honored to have met Bobby Mitchell many times. We can all learn from his journey. The first black football player for the Redskins https://t.co/8PJrTy7Tl6 via @YouTube #RIP #bobbymitchell pic.twitter.com/7cCGhZjWTm
— Julie Donaldson (@JDonaldsonNBCS) April 6, 2020

I’m usually against jersey numbers being retired but Bobby Mitchell was one of the most important players in #Redskins history. The Skins first black player (the last team to integrate), a #HOF and an assistant GM.. worked for the org for 34 years. #RETIRE49
RIP Bobby Mitchell
— Carol Maloney (@carolmaloney4) April 6, 2020

Hall of Fame says Bobby Mitchell has died. If you’re unfamiliar with his career and life, go take a look. Was a remarkable person.
— mike freeman (@mikefreemanNFL) April 6, 2020

Bobby Mitchell caught a 99-yard touchdown pass from George Izzo against the Browns at Cleveland Municipal Stadium on September 15, 1963. It's tied for the longest touchdown pass in Redskins history.#HTTR #RIPBobbyMitchell pic.twitter.com/tGXIvOERLg
— David Menassé (@Frekiwolf) April 6, 2020

Pro Football Hall of Famer Bobby Mitchell, a standout for the Cleveland Browns and Washington Redskins from 1958-‘68, passed away Sunday afternoon, per the @ProFootballHOF. Mitchell was 84.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) April 6, 2020

This one hits hard. RIP Bobby Mitchell, 84. Hall of Famer. First African-American to play for the Redskins. Asst GM for Redskins. Civil Rights Leader. Leukemia-Lymphoma Research Leader. @Redskins @ProFootballHOF
— The Team 980 & 95.9FM (@team980) April 6, 2020

Bobby Mitchell's legacy is so much more than football, but it doesnt change what an incredible player he was. In 1962 he led the NFL with 1,384 receiving yards. In 2020, only Michael Thomas and Julio Jones outpaced 1962 Bobby Mitchell. Incredible.
— JP Finlay (@JPFinlayNBCS) April 6, 2020

Rest in Power to the man who broke DC’s football color line, legendary Hall of Famer Bobby Mitchell. Had the absolute privilege to interview him more than once. Kind, generous, and a forgotten trailblazer in the history of sports. pic.twitter.com/Ik0ODSHhLa
— Dave Zirin (@EdgeofSports) April 6, 2020

RIP.....Bobby Mitchell Dead: NFL Hall of Famer Dies at 84 – https://t.co/7rTpGt8Mc4 https://t.co/fooKhYyHio
— Andre Tippett (@AndreTippett) April 6, 2020

RIP Bobby Mitchell. Redskins first African American player did a lot of heavy lifting. Worked hard his whole life, great speaker.
— Rick Snider (@Snide_Remarks) April 6, 2020

Shirley Povich, after Bobby Mitchell’s third game with the Redskins pic.twitter.com/a4u9Vl0nbO
— Dan Steinberg (@dcsportsbog) April 6, 2020

RIP to the Great Bobby Mitchell #HTTR
— Robert Griffin III (@RGIII) April 6, 2020

Fritz Pollard Alliance sends its condolences... pic.twitter.com/TZ5fPus580
— Mike Jones (@ByMikeJones) April 6, 2020

Bobby Mitchell was one of the most fascinating people I spoke to during my entire time with the Redskins. This JFK story was one of like six similar ones he told in a ten minute span. Sad loss. https://t.co/lr6KhEwh7n pic.twitter.com/8KT3neTDIr
— Matt Terl (@matt_terl) April 6, 2020

The Fritz Pollard Alliance, the diversity group that works closely with the NFL on its minority hiring practices, on the death of Bobby Mitchell... https://t.co/6SULvHJqMy
— MarkMaske (@MarkMaske) April 6, 2020

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NFL Mourns The Death Of Redskins Great Bobby Mitchell

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