Bobby Mitchell, former Redskins great, dies at 84

Former Redskins great and Hall of Fame wide receiver Bobby Mitchell died Sunday, the Pro Football Hall of Fame announced. He was 84. 

A four-time Pro Bowler, Mitchell spent seven of his 11 NFL seasons with the Redskins. In 1962 and 1963, he led the NFL in receiving yards with 1,384 and 1,432 respectively. 

Mitchell was drafted in the seventh round in the 1958 draft by the Cleveland Browns, where he played for four seasons. The Redskins acquired him in 1962, trading Ernie Davis to Cleveland. 

“The entire Pro Football Hall of Fame family mourns the passing of Bobby Mitchell,” Hall of Fame president David Baker said in a statement. “The Game lost a true legend today. Bobby was as an incredible player, a talented executive and a real gentleman to everyone with whom he worked or competed again.

“His wife Gwen and their entire family remain in our thoughts and prayers. The Hall of Fame will forever keep his legacy alive to sere as an inspiration to future generations.” 

A cause of death was not given.

After retiring from football, Mitchell stayed with the Redskins as an executive — first starting as a scout before his eventual promotion to assistant general manager.

“I was extremely saddened to hear the news about the passing of the great Bobby Mitchell,” Redskins owner Dan Snyder said in a statement. “Bobby was a Hall of Fame player and executive and represented the Washington Redskins organization with integrity for over 50 years. His passion for the game of football was unmatched by anyone I have ever met.

“Not only was he one of the most influential individuals in franchise history, but he was also one of the greatest men I have ever known. He was a true class act and will be sorely missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with his wife Gwen and the entire Mitchell family during this time.”

Mitchell was inducted to the Hall of Fame in 1983. 

He is survived by his wife Glen and their two children, Robert Jr and Terri.