Redskins to retire Bobby Mitchell’s jersey, rename lower bowl at Fed Ex
June 20, 2020
by Steve Thomas
The Washington Redskins announced today that the team will retire the late Bobby Mitchell’s iconic #49 jersey and also rename the lower bowl of Fed Ex Field in his honor. Mitchell passed away on April 5, 2020. This will be the second formal jersey number retirement in franchise history after Sammy Baugh’s #33, although several more are unofficially retired because the team refuses to reissue them.
As a player, Mitchell played in the NFL for 11 seasons, including seven years with the Redskins from 1962 until his retirement after the 1968 season. A true dual threat as both a running back and receiver, he was selected to the Pro Bowl four times during his career and was a three-time First Team All Pro selection. Mitchell appeared in 148 career games and finished his career with 2,735 rushing yards, 7,954 receiving yards, and 3,389 return yards. Upon Mitchell’s retirement in 1968, his 14,078 all-purpose yards were the second-most in NFL history. He was elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1983, is in the Redskins Ring of Fame, and was named one of the 70 Greatest Redskins.
After his retirement, Mitchell remained with the Redskins in a front office capacity until 2003, starting out as a scout for the late Vince Lombardi and culminating in his role as the team’s assistant general manager.
As much as Mitchell contributed on the field, his social impact was much greater. Mitchell was the first African-American player signed by the Redskins, who were the last team in the NFL to integrate thanks to the openly racist stance of original owner George Preston Marshall. He was also was a pioneer for African-Americans in NFL management roles.
In an epically tone deaf move, former head coach Steve Spurrier inexplicably allowed former tight end Leonard Stephens to wear #49 for his one year with the team in 2002. Stephens is the only other player to wear the number.
The team’s announcement today did not give a specific date for the retirement ceremony, instead stating that it would take place “at a future home game”.
In making this announcement, Redskins owner Daniel Snyder stated, “There is no one more deserving of these honors than the late Bobby Mitchell. Bobby was one of the most influential players not only in our team’s history, but in the National Football League. He excelled on the field, in the front office and most importantly in his community where he had a tremendous impact on the lives of so many through his charitable efforts. He was one of the greatest men I have ever known.”