Kevin Mitchell viewed himself as a starting middle linebacker in the NFL. The Redskins disagreed with his thinking. So in the 2003 offseason he had a decision to make: stay in Washington or try to find another team where he could challenge for a starting job.
He opted to stay put, for one reason: his kids. His wife, Denise, was due with their first child and he didn’t want to move during this time.
“He was an awesome family man,” former teammate Eddie Mason said. “He was a perfect father and husband.”
Which made Monday’s tragic news tough for Mason to take. Mitchell died Monday morning at age 36 at his home in Ashburn. His wife called 911, but their efforts could not revive him. Mitchell underwent an autopsy Monday, but a cause of death has yet to be determined.
Mitchell played for the Redskins from 2000-03 and was cut just before the ’04 season. He was a part-time starter and key special teams player.
He spent 10 seasons in the NFL, not bad for someone who was a college nose tackle.
“As a player he was never content,” said Redskins end Renaldo Wynn, a teammate of Mitchell’s from 2002-03. “If you only met him once he left an impression on you. Everyone respected him as a leader and if he had something to say, everyone listened. He was always there to give a word of encouragement and help, just a great guy to have in the locker room and a blessing to be around. His smile lit up the locker room.”
Mitchell worked with Mason at MASE Training in Loudoun County. And his goal was to own a construction company.
He is survived by his wife and two children, Jonathan, 4, and Kayla, 2.
“He was so infectious with kids,” Mason said. “We used to call him a big teddy bear. He’d create these games and songs with Jonathan and they’d do this little act together and laugh. … This is devastating.”
Redskins owner Dan Snyder said in a statement, “He was one of the first players I bonded with and a great family man. Anyone who knew him was touched by his smile, joy for life and love of his family. He earned our deepest respect.”
