The Washington Redskins are making a move long overdue. The Redskins announced Saturday they’ll be retiring Bobby Mitchell’s No. 49 jersey. In addition, the team is removing the name of George Preston Marshall from the lower bowl at FedEx Field, renaming it after Mitchell.
Mitchell becomes just the second player in franchise history to have their jersey number retired.
“There is no one more deserving of these honors than the late Bobby Mitchell. Bobby was one of the most influential players not only in our team’s history, but in the National Football League. He excelled on the field, in the front office and most importantly in his community where he had a tremendous impact on the lives of so many through his charitable efforts. He was one of the greatest men I have ever known.”
Dan Snyder said in a statement
The Redskins’ decision to announce the jersey retirement and name change of the lower bowl comes a day after a controversial stature of Marshall was removed from in front of the Redskins’ former home, RFK Stadium.
Marshall was known for his racist ploys. He was reluctant to integrate the team with black players. It wasn’t until 1962 under pressure of the United States federal government, the Redskins became the last NFL team to integrate.
That player was Bobby Mitchell.
Mitchell played seven seasons for the Redskins. He led the NFL in receptions his first season with the team. Additionally, he led the NFL in receiving yards in back-to-back seasons in 1962-1963. He led the league in receiving touchdowns in 1964. He retired in 1968.
Mitchell was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1983.
But, he remained with team, embarking on a lengthy front office career, as he rose from a pro scout to assistant general manager. He spent 41 years with the team in total.
Mitchell aspired to be the NFL’s first black GM. However, he was passed over twice while for the position. He retired in 2003. Mitchell expressed he was “deeply hurt” by late owner Jack Kent Cooke’s decision to hire Charlie Casserly in 1988 as GM over him and head coach Steve Spurrier’s decision in 2002 to issue his jersey No. 49, a number that had not been issued for decades.
Mitchell died on April 5 at the age of 84.
