Brian Mitchell: Worthy of the HOF?

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MTK
02-14-2005, 11:19 AM
Some of his career highlights:

Brian Should Enter Hall (http://www.theadvertiser.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20050213/SPORTS/502130351/1006)

In his 14 years, Mitchell set career records for kick return yards (19,013), combined kick returns (1,070), combined kick return touchdowns (13), kickoff return yards (14,014) and returns (607), punt return yards (4,999) and returns (463) and fair catches (231).

Throw in rushing and receiving and Mitchell piled up 23,330 all-purpose yards as a smallish, durable, elusive and tough performer.

BrudLee
02-14-2005, 11:45 AM
The part of me that wants to say "Hell, Yes!" is going to remain quiet for a few paragraphs.

There has never been a pure return man enshrined in the Hall. Yes, Mitchell holds those impressive records, but I can't recall a sincere push to enshrine the people he took them from (primarily Mel Gray, I believe - though others have risen since). The knock against Mitchell is similar to the (perceived) knock against Monk - was he the most feared player of his position? BMitch was frequently in the shadows of Gray, Milburn, and (to our eternal shame) Deion Sanders.

We should also consider the overall likelihood that multiple Redskins will be enshrined in the coming years. Art Monk (http://www.ipetitions.com/campaigns/Monk_To_Hall) belongs in Canton, as does Darrell Green. I believe they belong there ahead of Mitchell, and even the most inbred HOF voter (anyone for Starbucks?) would likely agree. Since we witness the voter pool making decisions based upon frivolity, it may not be to assume they might want to get more qualified persons from the same team in before the less qualified - but I would hope such a factor would enter the conversation.

Brian Mitchell deserves respect. He deserves his name on the Ring of Honor. He should feel safe that the #30 will not be worn again without his permission. Canton may be reaching too far, though.

Now, back to being Brud.

Hell, yes!

cpayne5
02-14-2005, 11:58 AM
He holds several meaningful records. So, yes, I believe he should be in the HOF. Anyone who holds as many records as he does should be in the Hall.

sportscurmudgeon
02-14-2005, 12:10 PM
He should be in the Hall of Fame. But I'm not gonna hold my breath...

FRPLG
02-14-2005, 12:41 PM
He should be in the Hall of Fame. But I'm not gonna hold my breath...
I, along with SC, will not hold my breath. If Monk has trouble getting in I can see B Mitch Having trouble. One thing to note though...B Mitch was a quote machine and never backed off a mic so there won't be that bias.

dirtbag2112
02-14-2005, 12:43 PM
Despite his achievements, this guy is FULL OF HIMSELF! Also, seeing him on local cable - sports night, it seems he's more of an eagle than a redskin.

MTK
02-14-2005, 01:20 PM
Even clowns like Peter King can't deny that Mitchell had an impressive career.

Whether they put him in the Hall of Fame or the Hall of Very Good is yet to be seen.

With what's happened to Monk I'm done speculating whether someone is a slam dunk Hall of Famer, unless we're talking about the obvious ones like Rice, Favre, etc.

Cush
02-14-2005, 03:13 PM
Yup, he should get in.

offiss
02-14-2005, 06:22 PM
All you hear from coaches is how criticle field postion is to the outcome of a game, and here he is the greatest of all time at doing that, Mitchell should be a first ballot HOF.

huntz
02-15-2005, 04:33 AM
Here's another vote for the HOF. Just look at the stats. Those HOF voters have to stop casting ballots as if it's a popularity contest and start looking at the real deal football player.

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