Brian Mitchell: Worthy of the HOF?

[MTK]

Some of his career highlights:

Brian Should Enter Hall

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]

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 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]

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]

He should be in the Hall of Fame. But I'm not gonna hold my breath...

[FRPLG]

Originally Posted by sportscurmudgeon

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]

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]

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]

Yup, he should get in.

[offiss]

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]

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.

[aehs77]

depends on when peter king dies thats the year monk gets in

[SmootSmack]

Many people say that the next special teams player to make the Hall should be Ray Guy because he essentially revolutionized the punter position-terms like "hang time" and "field position" weren't really all that common until Ray came along

Anyway, I don't see Ray's name being called any time soon unfortunately so I think B-Mitch might have to wait as well. They should both be there though

[MTK]

Hard to believe Ray Guy isn't in the Hall.

Special teams don't get the respect they deserve. When asked John Madden always mentions Guy for the Hall.

[SKINSnCANES]

I think he will be in the hall. Yea hes a special teamer but he was so much more, a qb, hb, special teamer. And the only person with more yards is jerry rice, not too shabby.

[BossHog]

Originally Posted by dirtbag2112

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.

He signed a one-day contract so that he'll retire as a 'Skin. And you question where his heart is? A lot of great 'Skins players take the same stance as Mitchell. In this age of free agency, you have to wonder if it's all about the money.