sports
Former Lions Defensive Lineman Jim Mitchell Dies at 77
Jim Mitchell, who played eight seasons for the Detroit Lions, died June 20 at age 77. Mitchell recorded 18 sacks and appeared in 102 games during his career.
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Defensive lineman Jim Mitchell died June 20 at age 77, according to a report by Newsweek. Mitchell spent his entire eight-year NFL career with the Detroit Lions after being selected in the third round of the 1970 draft. Mitchell recorded 18 sacks, one interception, two forced fumbles, and four fumble recoveries across 102 games from 1970 to 1977.
He reached the playoffs once, in his rookie season, and started in the Lions' loss to the Dallas Cowboys on Dec. 26, 1970.
A Virginia native, Mitchell played college football at Virginia State, a historically Black college. He was the third player from that school to reach the NFL. After retiring from football, Mitchell returned to Virginia and became a car dealer. He owned multiple dealerships, including Jim Mitchell Hyundai, and served on the Virginia Motor Vehicle Dealer Board after appointment by the governor's office.
"He was a great mentor," former Lions defensive lineman Doug English told the Detroit Free Press.
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