Post by KotO on Apr 6, 2020 18:30:43 GMT
www.yahoo.com/sports/bobby-mitchell-browns-redskins-dies-hall-of-fame-011334956.html
Pro Football Hall of Famer Bobby Mitchell, one of the first black players in the history of the Washington Redskins, died Sunday, the Hall of Fame announced. He was 84.
Mitchell’s cause of death was not announced.
Mitchell joined the Cleveland Browns in 1958 after being lured away from a potential Olympic career by head coach Paul Brown’s offer of $7,000. He would team up with Jim Brown to form a terrifying rushing attack for four years.
The Browns later traded Mitchell to Washington, which was the last team in the league to integrate. Mitchell was one of three black players on Washington’s 1962 roster, joining the team in a trade that involved 1962 No. 1 overall pick Ernie Davis, who died of leukemia before ever playing with the Browns.
With his new team, Mitchell changed positions from halfback to flanker. He found instant success, leading the league in receiving yards in his first two years with the team. He finished his career as a four-time Pro Bowler and three-time first-team All-Pro.
Pro Football Hall of Famer Bobby Mitchell, one of the first black players in the history of the Washington Redskins, died Sunday, the Hall of Fame announced. He was 84.
Mitchell’s cause of death was not announced.
Mitchell joined the Cleveland Browns in 1958 after being lured away from a potential Olympic career by head coach Paul Brown’s offer of $7,000. He would team up with Jim Brown to form a terrifying rushing attack for four years.
The Browns later traded Mitchell to Washington, which was the last team in the league to integrate. Mitchell was one of three black players on Washington’s 1962 roster, joining the team in a trade that involved 1962 No. 1 overall pick Ernie Davis, who died of leukemia before ever playing with the Browns.
With his new team, Mitchell changed positions from halfback to flanker. He found instant success, leading the league in receiving yards in his first two years with the team. He finished his career as a four-time Pro Bowler and three-time first-team All-Pro.