McKinney, Texas — Keith Mitchell, a Pro Bowl NFL linebacker and Texas A&M All-American, has died at 51 in what his family described as a sudden and unexpected passing. Texas A&M confirmed the death Thursday through KBTX in College Station.
Mitchell was a fixture of the Aggies' "Wrecking Crew" defense across four seasons from 1993 to 1996. He helped lead Texas A&M to the 1993 Southwest Conference Championship and played on the 1994 squad that posted a 10-0-1 record. He earned All-Southwest Conference recognition in 1995 before ascending to All-America status.
The 1996 season cemented Mitchell's legacy in College Station. He recorded 14.5 sacks and 10.5 tackles for loss, capturing first-team All-American honors. His 34 career sacks rank fourth all-time at Texas A&M, and he entered the school's athletics Hall of Fame in 2015.
Mitchell began his professional journey as an undrafted free agent with the New Orleans Saints, where he spent five seasons and earned a Pro Bowl trip in 2000. That year he recorded 86 tackles, 6.5 sacks, four fumble recoveries, and an interception. His 1999 campaign included 115 tackles and three picks.
