Freddie Mitchell facts for kids

Quick facts for kids
Freddie Mitchell

Mitchell in 2002
No. 84
Position:	Wide receiver
Personal information
Born:	(1978-11-28) November 28, 1978 (age 46) Lakeland, Florida, U.S.
Height:	5 ft 11 in (1.80 m)
Weight:	184 lb (83 kg)
Career information
High school:	Kathleen (Lakeland)
College:	UCLA (1997–2000)
NFL Draft:	2001 / Round: 1 / Pick: 25
Career history
Philadelphia Eagles (2001–2004) Kansas City Chiefs (2005)*
Career highlights and awards
Consensus All-American (2000) First-team All-Pac-10 (2000)
Career NFL statistics
Receptions: 90 Receiving yards: 1,263 Receiving touchdowns: 5
Player stats at PFR

Freddie Lee Mitchell II (born November 28, 1978) is a former American football player. He was a wide receiver for the Philadelphia Eagles in the National Football League (NFL) for four seasons. In college, he was a star player for the UCLA Bruins, where he was named an All-American in 2000.

The Eagles chose Mitchell in the first round of the 2001 NFL draft. He played with the team for four years and helped them reach Super Bowl XXXIX. He is most famous for a clutch catch in a playoff game that fans still talk about today.

High School and College Years

A Multi-Sport Athlete

Mitchell grew up in Lakeland, Florida, where he was the son of a pastor. At Kathleen High School, he was a star athlete who played four different sports: cross country, baseball, football, and basketball. He was so good at baseball that the Tampa Bay Devil Rays drafted him, but he chose to go to college instead. In basketball, he helped his team win a state championship.

In football, he played many positions, including wide receiver, kick returner, and defensive back. After visiting several universities, he decided to play college football for the UCLA Bruins on the West Coast.

UCLA Bruins Career

Mitchell played for the UCLA Bruins from 1997 to 2000. In his very first game in 1998, he made a big impact. He caught a 79-yard touchdown pass and even threw a 34-yard touchdown pass on a trick play. Sadly, he broke his leg the next week and missed most of the season.

In 1999, he returned but was slowed by a knee injury. He still managed to catch 38 passes for 533 yards.

His junior year in 2000 was his best season. He was a finalist for the Fred Biletnikoff Award, given to the best receiver in college football. In the 2000 Sun Bowl, he set a record with 180 receiving yards. After this amazing season, he decided to enter the 2001 NFL draft.

Professional Football Career

Philadelphia Eagles

Mitchell in a 2004 preseason game

The Philadelphia Eagles selected Freddie Mitchell in the first round of the 2001 NFL draft. He signed a five-year contract with the team.

First Seasons

Mitchell started his first season as a backup receiver. By the middle of the season, he earned the role of slot receiver, a position for a quick receiver who runs routes in the middle of the field. He finished his first year with 21 catches and his first NFL touchdown.

In 2002, the Eagles signed another receiver, and Mitchell's playing time was reduced. He spent most of the season playing on special teams and had only 12 catches all year.

The "4th and 26" Play

Mitchell (second from left) with teammate Jon Runyan (far right) and singer Neal McCoy in 2003.

In 2003, Mitchell became the slot receiver again and had his best season. He caught 35 passes for 498 yards and two touchdowns.

His most famous moment came in a playoff game against the Green Bay Packers on January 11, 2004. The Eagles were losing and faced a nearly impossible situation: fourth down with 26 yards to go (known as 4th and 26). Quarterback Donovan McNabb threw a deep pass, and Mitchell made an amazing 28-yard catch to get the first down. This play kept the Eagles' hopes alive, and they went on to win the game in overtime.

Road to the Super Bowl

Mitchell signals a first down during a 2004 game.

In 2004, the Eagles added star receiver Terrell Owens. This meant Mitchell had fewer chances to catch the ball. When Owens was injured late in the season, Mitchell stepped up as a starter. In a playoff game against the Minnesota Vikings, he scored two touchdowns. After the game, he famously said, "I just want to thank my hands for being so great."

The Eagles made it to Super Bowl XXXIX to play the New England Patriots. Before the game, Mitchell made some bold comments about the Patriots' players. In the Super Bowl, he caught one pass for 11 yards, and the Eagles lost the game 24–21.

Later Career

The Eagles released Mitchell in May 2005. He signed with the Kansas City Chiefs but was released before the season started due to a knee injury. He worked out for several other teams over the next few years but never signed another NFL contract. He finished his Eagles career with 90 catches for 1,263 yards and five touchdowns.

Life Outside of Football

Mitchell (right) in 2003

Mitchell had several nicknames, including "Fast Freddie" and "FredEx" because he "always delivers." His cousin is Rod Smart, another former NFL player. Mitchell is a fan of country music.

He has appeared on TV shows like The Tonight Show with Jay Leno and The Millionaire Matchmaker. After his football career, he has been involved in charity events. In 2018, he rang the ceremonial Liberty Bell at a Philadelphia 76ers basketball game.

NFL career statistics

Images for kids

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  Mitchell during one of his charitable appearances