Keith Mitchell, a former linebacker for Texas A&M and the New Orleans Saints, has died. He was 51 years old. The university and his family confirmed the news to KBTX-TV on Thursday. The family described the passing as sudden and unexpected, though no specific cause of death was provided.
Mitchell built a strong football foundation at Garland Lakeview Centennial High School before playing for the Texas A&M Aggies. Garland is located approximately 6 miles southeast of Richardson. During his four seasons with the Aggies from 1993 to 1996, he recorded 34 career sacks, which ranks as the fourth-highest total in program history.
He finished his senior year with 14.5 sacks and earned All-America honors from College Football News in 1996.
Despite his collegiate achievements, Mitchell was not selected in the 1997 NFL Draft. He subsequently signed with the New Orleans Saints as an undrafted free agent. He spent five seasons with the Saints, a tenure that included a selection to the Pro Bowl in 2000.