Former New Orleans Saints linebacker Keith Mitchell passed away on 1 July. He was just 51 years old. 

Mitchell, a former All-American at Texas A&M, joined the Saints in 1997 and spent five seasons with them. The Saints released a statement mourning the loss of the legend and former team member. 

“The New Orleans Saints are saddened to learn of the passing of team legend Keith Mitchell,” said the team's statement, posted on X. “After an outstanding career at Texas A&M, the linebacker was signed as an undrafted free agent by the Black and Gold in 1997.”

Mitchell played for New Orleans from 1997 through 2001. After five seasons, Mitchell played one year with the Houston Texans in 2002 and the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2003 before retiring from the NFL. 

“The Saints extend their sympathies to the Mitchell family during these challenging times,” they concluded in the statement. 

Mitchell signed with the Saints as an undrafted free agent and made it to the 53-man roster for the season. In his first season, he played in all 16 games and started two.

His “finest season” with the Saints came in 2000 when the Saints dominated the NFC West division and made it to the playoffs. That season, Mitchell won the NFC Defensive Player of the Week twice, was selected for a Pro Bowl, and was named Sports Illustrated’s All-Pro.

His 90-yard return for a touchdown at Carolina on November 12, 2000, is still the longest fumble return in the franchise’s history. 

Mitchell closed his NFL career with 94 games, of which he was the starter in 70. He registered 416 tackles, of which 298 were solo, 19.5 sacks, 10 forced fumbles, four interceptions and three defensive touchdowns. 

After his NFL career, Mitchell became a wellness coach, motivational speaker and a certified yoga instructor. He also authored the book “Mindfulness Mastery Playbook: 8 strategies for winning the game of life”.

The news of the Saints legend's passing sent shockwaves across the league. It prompted many to take to social media to pay their tributes. 

NFL community reacts to the passing of Orleans legend Keith Mitchell

After the New Orleans Saints released a statement concerning Keith Mitchell, the NFL community took to social media to share their reactions. 

“Not me thinking he’s in his late 70s. Gone too soon. Rest in power King, and my condolences to his family,” commented a fan under the X post. 

Another user commented along similar lines, saying, “Way too young to die.”

Many others gave a nod to Mitchell's achievements on and off the field as a testament to his admirable personality.

“Condolences to the family. Keith was a great player but a better person off the field. A guy you could trust and respect who thought of others before him,” added a fan.

A fan reminisced about the 2000 season when the Saints made it to the playoffs and Mitchell got the Pro Bowl nod. 

“Pro Bowl season in 2000 as an undrafted linebacker is wild when you really think about it,” they wrote. 

Fans also lauded the LB for working so hard to make a name for himself in the NFL.

“Rest in peace, Keith Mitchell. From undrafted free agent to Pro Bowler, he proved that determination and hard work can leave a lasting legacy,” commented a user. 

With condolences pouring in, Mitchell is being remembered not only for his Pro Bowl career but also for inspiring others with his story long after he left the league.

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Written by

Naomi Grace

Edited by

Arundhoti Palit