The Detroit Lions community is mourning the loss of one of the franchise’s former players.

Former Lions defensive lineman Jim Mitchell passed away on Saturday, June 20, at the age of 77. The news has brought sadness to both his former teammates and fans who remember his impact in Detroit football.

After attending Virginia State University, Mitchell was selected in the third round of the 1970 NFL Draft. Mitchell appeared in 101 games over his career and started 67 of those games during the eight seasons he spent in Detroit.

He was a dependable presence in Detroit’s defensive front as he helped them record their only playoff appearance during the ‘70s in his rookie year.

It was one of his former teammates, defensive back Levi Johnson, and the son of one of his former business partners, Mel Farr Jr., who informed the Detroit Free Press about Mitchell’s passing.

He totaled 18 sacks across 101 appearances, according to Pro Football Reference, highlighted by a personal-best five sacks in 1972. The NFL did not make sacks an official stat until 1982.

He has also been credited with four fumble recoveries and one interception over his career. He retired following the 1977 season and was someone who was very well respected within the organization.

After retirement, Mitchell became an auto dealer as he joined Ford’s dealer development program and also owned car dealerships in his native Virginia. Mitchell was also appointed by the governor’s office to serve on the Virginia Motor Vehicle Dealer Board.

Mitchell's former teammates reacted with condolences following confirmation of his passing.

Former Lions teammates paid tribute

While his on-field play earned him respect throughout the organization, those who played with Mitchell said that his greatest impact was his presence in the locker room. One such teammate was former Lions defensive end Doug English, a teammate of Mitchell for three years after joining the Lions in 1975.

“He was a great mentor," English shared to Dave Birkett of The Detroit Free Press. "Obviously, rookies need good examples of how to prepare mentally and physically and just how to approach the game at that level and he was a great example."

Meanwhile, another former Lions teammate, Levi Johnson, who was a defensive back for the Lions from 1973-77, also reminisced his memories of Mitchell.

“He was just relentless. His motor was always going and he’s the kind of guy you wanted to be a teammate with on and off the field,” said Johnson. “I hate that he’s gone.”

Remembered for both his toughness on the field and character off it, Mitchell leaves behind a legacy that will remain part of Lions history.

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Written by

Dhruv Vishnu Nair

Edited by

Soheli Tarafdar