Plano, Texas — Keith Mitchell, an All-American linebacker at Texas A&M who carried his pass-rushing prowess into a Pro Bowl NFL career, has died at the age of 51. Texas A&M confirmed his passing Thursday, with his family telling KBTX it was sudden and unexpected.
Mitchell wore maroon from 1993 to 1996, a stretch during which the Aggies' "Wrecking Crew" defense was among the nation's most feared units. He helped secure the 1993 Southwest Conference Championship and was part of the 1994 team that went unbeaten at 10-0-1. He collected second-team All-SWC honors as a junior.
His senior season of 1996 was the defining campaign of his college career. Mitchell piled up 14.5 sacks and 10.5 tackles for loss, earning first-team All-America and All-Big 12 recognition. His 34 career sacks remain the fourth-highest total in Texas A&M history, and he was enshrined in the school's Hall of Fame in 2015.
Despite going undrafted, Mitchell carved out a substantial NFL career, beginning with five seasons in New Orleans. He reached the Pro Bowl in 2000 on the strength of 86 tackles, 6.5 sacks, and four fumble recoveries. His 1999 season was even more productive statistically, with 115 tackles and three interceptions.
