Bobby Mitchell

The Trailblazing Speedster Who Changed the NFL

Bobby Mitchell was more than just a football player—he was a game-changing offensive weapon, a record-setting playmaker, and a civil rights pioneer who broke barriers in the NFL. A Pro Football Hall of Famer, four-time Pro Bowler, and one of the most explosive players of the 1960s, Mitchell was known for his blazing speed, smooth route-running, and ability to turn any play into a touchdown.

Mitchell began his career as one of the best running backs in football before making the historic switch to wide receiver, where he became an unstoppable deep threat for the Washington Redskins. His versatility as a runner, receiver, and returner made him one of the most dangerous all-purpose players of all time.

Beyond his on-field greatness, Mitchell was also a pioneer for African American players, becoming the first Black player in Washington Redskins history, helping break the color barrier for the last team in the NFL to integrate. His impact on the game went far beyond statistics, as he paved the way for future generations of Black athletes.

The Numbers Behind Mitchell’s Greatness

• Pro Football Hall of Fame Inductee (1983, first-ballot)
• Four-time Pro Bowler (1960, 1962, 1963, 1964)
• Three-time First-Team All-Pro (1962, 1963, 1964)
• NFL Receiving Yards Leader (1962, 1963)
• NFL Receiving Touchdowns Leader (1964)
• NFL 1960s All-Decade Team
• Washington Commanders Ring of Honor
• Cleveland Browns Legends Team
• Career Stats:
  • 14,078 all-purpose yards (8th all-time at retirement)
  • 7,954 receiving yards & 65 receiving touchdowns
  • 2,735 rushing yards & 18 rushing touchdowns
  • 3,389 return yards & 8 return touchdowns

Mitchell finished his career as one of the most productive and efficient offensive players in NFL history, excelling as both a running back and wide receiver—a rare feat that only a few legends have accomplished.

The College Years – A Star at Illinois

Before he became an NFL superstar, Mitchell was already making a name for himself as a multi-sport phenom at the University of Illinois.

• Born in Hot Springs, Arkansas, in 1935, Mitchell was a standout athlete in football, basketball, and track.
• At Illinois, he was a dual-threat running back, forming a legendary backfield with Hall of Famer Jim Brown.
• In 1955 and 1956, he was one of the top rushers in college football, averaging over 6.0 yards per carry.
• His track speed made him one of the fastest players in the country, setting records in the 100-yard dash and hurdles.
• The Cleveland Browns selected him in the 7th round of the 1958 NFL Draft, and he quickly proved to be one of the biggest steals in draft history.

Despite being underrated as a draft pick, Mitchell quickly showed he was a generational talent.

The Cleveland Years – An Elite Dual-Threat Running Back

Mitchell entered the NFL in 1958, joining the Cleveland Browns, where he played alongside Jim Brown, the greatest running back in history.

• In his rookie season, Mitchell rushed for 500+ yards and scored 9 touchdowns, proving he was a perfect complement to Brown in the backfield.
• Over the next four seasons (1958-1961), he was one of the most dynamic running backs in the league, averaging over 5.0 yards per carry while also serving as a top-tier kick and punt returner.
• In 1960, he earned his first Pro Bowl selection, finishing the year with over 1,000 all-purpose yards and 10 touchdowns.
• Though Brown was the team’s primary back, Mitchell’s ability to catch passes and return kicks made him one of the most valuable players in the NFL.

However, his career took a major turn in 1962, when he was traded to Washington in a historic move.

Breaking Barriers – The First Black Player in Washington Redskins History

In 1962, Washington traded for Bobby Mitchell, making him the first African American player in team history.

• The Redskins were the last NFL team to integrate, and Mitchell faced intense pressure as he broke the color barrier for the franchise.
• The team converted him from running back to wide receiver, a move that unlocked his full potential as a deep threat.
• In his first year as a receiver, he led the NFL in receiving yards (1,384) and touchdowns (11), proving that he could dominate at any position.
• From 1962-1964, Mitchell was arguably the best wide receiver in the league, leading the NFL in receiving yards twice and scoring 36 total touchdowns.
• His combination of speed, hands, and route-running made him unstoppable, and he quickly became one of the most feared players in football.

Despite facing racial hostility from some fans, Mitchell remained a class act and a leader, paving the way for future generations of Black players in Washington.

The Redskins’ Offensive Leader – An Unstoppable Force

Mitchell spent seven seasons (1962-1968) in Washington, continuing to put up elite numbers despite playing in a run-heavy era.

• He finished his career with four consecutive Pro Bowl appearances (1962-1965).
• In 1964, he led the league with 72 catches and 1,422 yards, scoring a career-high 12 touchdowns.
• Even in his later years, he remained one of the most dangerous deep threats in the NFL, averaging over 17.0 yards per catch.
• By the time he retired in 1968, Mitchell ranked second all-time in career all-purpose yards (14,078).

His ability to dominate at two positions, break barriers, and revolutionize the passing game made him one of the most influential players in NFL history.

Defining Moments of Mitchell’s Career

• 1958 – NFL Debut with Cleveland: Becomes a dynamic running back alongside Jim Brown.
• 1960 – First Pro Bowl Selection: Proves to be one of the best all-purpose backs in the NFL.
• 1962 – Breaks Washington’s Color Barrier: Becomes the team’s first Black player and dominates as a wide receiver.
• 1962 – Leads NFL in Receiving: Puts up 1,384 yards and 11 touchdowns in his first year as a receiver.
• 1963 – Career-High Receiving Yards (1,436): Once again, leads the league in receiving dominance.
• 1964 – 12-Touchdown Season: Scores more TDs than any other receiver, proving he’s still unstoppable.
• 1968 – Retirement: Ends his career as one of the greatest all-purpose players in NFL history.
• 1983 – Hall of Fame Induction: Enters the Hall of Fame as one of the most influential and talented players ever.

The Most Iconic Bobby Mitchell Football Cards

Mitchell’s cards are highly collectible, representing one of the greatest multi-position players in NFL history.

• 1959 Topps #140 Bobby Mitchell Rookie Card – His first card, a must-have for vintage collectors.
• 1963 Fleer #78 Bobby Mitchell – Captures his transition to a dominant wide receiver.
• 1967 Philadelphia #47 Bobby Mitchell – Shows him in his later years as Washington’s leader.

For collectors, Mitchell’s cards represent an NFL legend who changed the game forever.

A Legacy That Transcends the Game

Bobby Mitchell wasn’t just a great football player—he was a pioneer, a game-changer, and a role model.

• He was one of the first players to dominate as both a running back and wide receiver.
• He broke racial barriers in Washington, paving the way for future Black athletes.
• He helped define the modern deep-threat receiver, inspiring legends like Jerry Rice and Randy Moss.

A Trailblazer, A Playmaking Legend, and One of the Most Influential Players in NFL History.