Kevin Mitchell (linebacker) facts for kids
| No. 55, 50 | |
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| Position: | Linebacker |
| Personal information | |
| Born: | February 1, 1971 Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, U.S. |
| Died: | April 30, 2007 (aged 36) Ashburn, Virginia, U.S. |
| Height: | 6 ft 1 in (1.85 m) |
| Weight: | 258 lb (117 kg) |
| Career information | |
| High school: | Harrisburg (PA) |
| College: | Syracuse |
| NFL Draft: | 1994 / Round: 2 / Pick: 53 |
| Career history | |
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| Player stats at PFR | |
Kevin Danyelle Mitchell (born January 1, 1971 – died April 30, 2007) was an amazing American football player. He played as a linebacker in the National Football League (NFL). Kevin was from Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. He played for three different NFL teams: the San Francisco 49ers, the New Orleans Saints, and the Washington Redskins.
College Football Star
Before playing professionally, Kevin Mitchell was a standout player in college football. He played for Syracuse University as a defensive tackle. This position means he was on the defense, trying to stop the other team.
One of his biggest college moments was in the 1993 Fiesta Bowl. Syracuse played against a tough team, Colorado. Kevin was named the Defensive MVP (Most Valuable Player) of that game. He made eight tackles, which means he stopped the opposing players with the ball. Six of these tackles were made behind the line of scrimmage, which is a big deal!
Playing in the NFL
Kevin Mitchell was chosen in the 1994 NFL draft by the San Francisco 49ers. The NFL Draft is where professional teams pick new players from college. He was picked in the second round, which shows how talented he was.
He had an incredible start to his NFL career. In his very first season, he helped the 49ers win Super Bowl XXIX. The Super Bowl is the championship game of the NFL. Winning it as a rookie (a first-year player) is a huge achievement!
Kevin played three more seasons with the 49ers. After that, he joined the New Orleans Saints for two seasons. Then, he moved to the Washington Redskins in 2000 and played there until 2003.
His best season was in 2001 NFL season. He made 81 tackles and had 2 sacks. A sack is when a defensive player tackles the opposing team's quarterback. He also forced one fumble, which means he knocked the ball loose from an opponent.
Throughout his entire NFL career, Kevin Mitchell played in 144 regular season games. He made 300 tackles, had 6.5 sacks, and even caught two interceptions. An interception is when a defensive player catches a pass meant for an offensive player. He was a strong and important player for every team he played on.
Kevin Mitchell's Passing
Sadly, Kevin Mitchell passed away on April 30, 2007. He was found in his sleep in Ashburn, Virginia. Doctors said he died from a serious heart attack. His friends and family also mentioned that his death might have been related to sleep apnea.
