Former New Orleans Saints linebacker Keith Mitchell dies aged 51
Mitchell, who recorded 18.5 sacks during his tenure with the Saints, passes away at 51, marking the end of a career defined by overcoming injury and transitioning into post-NFL advocacy.
Former New Orleans Saints linebacker Keith Mitchell has died at the age of 51. The announcement coincides with the Saints’ “Countdown to Kickoff” series, which is marking 59 days until the team’s 2026 regular season opener against the Detroit Lions on 13 September. With defensive tackle Coziah Izzard released in June, the Saints will not have an active player wearing jersey No. 59, prompting the franchise to honour Mitchell as the Saints Player of the Day.
Mitchell’s collegiate career at Texas A&M was marked by significant statistical dominance. He recorded 34 career sacks, a total that surpassed future NFL stars Von Miller and Myles Garrett. As a senior in 1996, he posted 14.5 sacks and 10.5 tackles for loss, earning All-American first-team honours. His performance in 1996 also included an interception return for a touchdown, while he had been named second-team All-Southwest Conference in 1995.
Despite his collegiate success, Mitchell went undrafted in the 1997 NFL Draft. He signed with the New Orleans Saints and quickly established himself, appearing in every game as a rookie reserve and recording four sacks. By 1998, he had secured a starting linebacker role. Over five seasons with the Saints, from 1997 to 2001, Mitchell recorded 18.5 sacks, 17 forced or recovered fumbles, four interceptions, and three defensive touchdowns.
His most individual season came in 2000, when he earned Pro Bowl selection. That campaign featured a career-high 6.5 sacks, four fumble recoveries, and returns for touchdowns on both an interception and a fumble. In 1999, he led the Saints with 115 tackles and added three interceptions. He concluded his time in New Orleans in 2001 with 90 total tackles and two sacks.
Mitchell left the Saints as a free agent to join the Houston Texans in 2003, but a spinal injury suffered that year hampered his mobility and effectively ended his playing career. He finished his seven-year NFL tenure with the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2004. Following his retirement, Mitchell worked as a yoga instructor, fitness instructor, author, and motivational speaker. He passed away on 2 July this year.
