Brian Mitchell was one of the greatest players of the 1990s for the Washington NFL franchise. Mitchell, a fifth-round pick from Southwestern Louisiana, was a former college quarterback who would make the transition to running back in the NFL.
Mitchell quickly developed into one of the NFL’s best punt and kick returners. After spending the first 10 seasons of his career in Washington, in 2000, then new owner Daniel Snyder let Mitchell walk, signing several aging stars, including cornerback Deion Sanders, who Snyder figured could replace Mitchell at punt returner.
Mitchell wasn’t happy. Fans weren’t happy, as Mitchell had developed into a franchise icon. He would sign with the hated Philadelphia Eagles, where he spent three seasons, before spending one final season with the New York Giants in 2003.
Since his retirement, Mitchell returned to the Washington area, where he has worked as an analyst for years and now co-hosts a popular morning sports talk radio show.
Mitchell, who ranks No. 2 all-time in NFL history in all-purpose yards, was present at one of the Commanders’ sale parties Thursday in Washington. Mitchell talked of how he was one of the first players Snyder wanted gone.
Fans booed. How’d Mitchell respond?
“Yeah, I thought he was an a—–e too,” Mitchell said via Sam Fortier of The Washington Post.
Mitchell has never been afraid to speak his mind. He’s honest. He’s real, and he loves the Washington franchise and is excited about the future.