Former Texas A&M All-American and Saints Pro Bowl linebacker Keith Mitchell, who was part of the school’s “Wrecking Crew” defense in the 1990s, has died, his college and family confirmed to KBTX on Thursday.
He was 51.
Details surrounding the cause of his death haven’t been provided yet, but his family told KBTX that it was “sudden and unexpected.”
“As we begin to process this heartbreaking loss, we ask for your continued prayers as we await additional answers in the days ahead,” his family said in a statement shared with KTBX. “We trust that God will continue to surround our family with His peace, grace, and strength as we navigate this difficult journey.”
Mitchell had 34 sacks across four years (1993-96) with the Aggies, making him fourth all-time in program history.
As a senior in 1996, he recorded 14.5 sacks, tied for sixth-most ever for single-season sacks in the school’s history.
The Texas A&M standout also earned All-Southwest Conference honors as a junior in 1995, All-Big 12 honors in 1996 and was named an All-American as a senior.
Mitchell went undrafted in 1997 due to concerns over his size, but carved out a solid NFL role after signing with the Saints as a free agent.
He spent the first five years of his career with the Saints and recorded 18.5 sacks. His best season came in 2000 when he earned a Pro Bowl nod after notching 6.5 sacks and two defensive touchdowns.
The linebacker then finished his career with the Jaguars and Texans.
In total, Mitchell had 408 tackles and 19.5 sacks in 94 NFL games.
Twelve years after wrapping up his NFL career, Mitchell was inducted into the Texas A&M Athletics Hall of Fame.
