COLLEGE STATION, Texas (KBTX) – Texas A&M All-American linebacker Keith Mitchell died at 51, Texas A&M athletics confirmed to KBTX on Thursday.
According to a statement from Mitchell’s family provided to KBTX, his death was “sudden and unexpected.”
“As we begin to process this heartbreaking loss, we ask for your continued prayers as we await additional answers in the days ahead,” the statement read, in part. “We trust that God will continue to surround our family with His peace, grace, and strength as we navigate this difficult journey.”
Mitchell was a member of the “Wrecking Crew” defense from 1993-96, including the 1993 Southwest Conference champion squad. He earned All-SWC honors in 1995, followed by an All-Big 12 nod in 1996 to go along with his College Football News All-America selection.
The Garland native was fourth all-time for career sacks at A&M with 34, including 14.5 during his senior season. The 1996 total is tied for sixth in A&M’s record book for single-season sacks.
After his ability to get to the quarterback aided in several defensive scores for his teammates, Mitchell finally found the endzone on his own thanks to a pick-6 against Oklahoma State in 1996.
Former KBTX sports director Darryl Bruffett spoke to Mitchell at the time on his quest to score a touchdown.
“I treat sacks like touchdowns or interceptions or whatever. A touchdown would be great, I just think I would get a 15-yard penalty for celebrating too much,” Mitchell said before the score.
In 2015, Mitchell was inducted into the A&M Athletics Hall of Fame, after a seven-year career in the NFL with the New Orleans Saints, the Houston Texans and the Jacksonville Jaguars. He earned a Pro Bowl selection with the Saints in 2000.
Mitchell recorded 408 tackles, including 19.5 sacks in 94 games played in the NFL.
Below is the full statement from Mitchell’s family:
“On behalf of our entire family, we want to express our deepest gratitude for the overwhelming love, prayers, and support that have surrounded Keith during this incredibly difficult time.
Your messages, encouragement, and kindness have meant more to us than words can express. We are profoundly grateful for every prayer lifted, every thoughtful message shared, and every act of compassion shown to our family.
Keith dedicated his life to inspiring others through his professional NFL career, international speaking engagements, his book, and his unwavering commitment to mindfulness, meditation, and yoga. To witness that same love and generosity being poured back into him has been a tremendous source of comfort and strength for our family.
Keith’s passing was sudden and unexpected. As we begin to process this heartbreaking loss, we ask for your continued prayers as we await additional answers in the days ahead. We trust that God will continue to surround our family with His peace, grace, and strength as we navigate this difficult journey.
Thank you for standing with us, for honoring Keith’s life and legacy, and for keeping our family in your prayers.”
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