Posted at 7:38 a.m., Monday, October 22, 2007
NFL: Former Falcons TE Jim Mitchell dies at 60
Associated Press
SHELBYVILLE, Tenn. -- Jim Mitchell, a Pro Bowl tight end for the Atlanta Falcons in the '60s and '70s, died after suffering an apparent heart attack. He was 60.
Feldhaus Memorial Chapel, which is handling the funeral services, confirmed Mitchell's death today.
A friend found Mitchell unconscious on the front steps of his home Saturday morning, the Shelbyville Times-Gazette reported. He later died at a hospital. Mitchell, who had turned 60 on Friday, suffered from diabetes in recent years, eventually losing his eyesight.
Mitchell played for the Falcons from 1969-79 and was named to the Pro Bowl following the 1969 and 1972 seasons. He ranks fourth in Falcons' history with 305 career receptions and 4,358 yards receiving. He had 31 career touchdowns.
The former Shelbyville high school star attended Prairie View A&M in Texas.
After retiring from the NFL, Mitchell coached at Morehouse and Morris Brown colleges. He returned to Shelbyville and served as a volunteer assistant coach for its two high school football teams.
