Fort Worth, Texas — Keith Mitchell, who starred as an All-American linebacker at Texas A&M and later earned a Pro Bowl selection in the NFL, has passed away at 51. His alma mater confirmed the death Thursday, with the family describing it as sudden and unexpected.
A member of the Aggies' celebrated "Wrecking Crew" defense, Mitchell played in College Station from 1993 to 1996. He was instrumental in the 1993 Southwest Conference Championship team and the 1994 squad that finished 10-0-1. After second-team All-SWC recognition in 1995, he broke out as a senior with first-team All-America honors.
His 1996 season was the pinnacle of his college career: 14.5 sacks and 10.5 tackles for loss. Mitchell's 34 career sacks still rank fourth all-time at Texas A&M. The Aggies welcomed him into their athletics Hall of Fame in 2015.
Mitchell entered the NFL as an undrafted free agent with the New Orleans Saints and developed into a standout. His finest year came in 2000, when he earned Pro Bowl recognition behind 86 tackles, 6.5 sacks, and four fumble recoveries. He also had a 115-tackle season in 1999.
