Bobby Mitchell retires from Redskins

ASHBURN, Va., Feb. 2 (UPI) -- Long-time front office executive Bobby Mitchell has retired from the Washington Redskins under a cloud.

Mitchell, 67, a former All-Pro running back and wide receiver and a member of the NFL Hall of Fame, was the first-ever African-American to play for the team. He was associated with the franchise for 41 years.

When he retired Friday, he let it be known that he felt angry about the way he had been treated over the years.

He always wanted to be a general manager, but was passed over, first by Bobby Beathard, then by Charley Casserly.

Also, he fumed in side when his retired number "49" was worn by rookie tight end Leonard Stephens last season. For that, he got apologies from Coach Steve Spurrier and team owner Daniel M. Snyder.

" Bobby represents what the Washington Redskins strive to be, both on and off the field," said Snyder. "Bobby came to the organization in the most dramatic fashion, then rapidly quieted critics with his play and devotion to the team and its community."

People just missed it," Mitchell told the Washington Post about Stephens wearing No. 49. "They weren't thinking. It was an oversight. But my family and my friends and I, we grieved about it all year. It's really close to what happened with (former owner) Mr. (Jack Kent) Cooke, but this one might have been the worst one. It was tough for me to see the pain of my family and my close friends. That shakes you up. People kept saying to me, 'Why don't you say something?' But I kept thinking about the kid [Stephens]. I thought, 'I can't say anything.'"

Mitchell admitted to being "deeply hurt" when Cooke passed him over for the GM job in 1988, saying that Casserly was "pre-eminently qualified."

In a prepared statement obtained by the Post, Spurrier said there was a mistake by everyone in the organization -- me, our equipment staff, tight end coach and personnel guys. We made a mistake and we'll correct it. No one will be wearing Bobby's number during any season."

Mitchell began his NFL career in 1958 with the Cleveland Browns, an eighth-round draft pick from the University of Illinois. He played four seasons with the Browns alongside legendary running back Jim Brown, then was traded to Washington in 1962, becoming the organization's first black player.

When he retired in 1968, his 14,078 total yards was third in NFL history, and his 92 touchdowns stood fifth all-time. He played in four Pro Bowls, and was inducted to the Hall of Fame in 1983.

His duties with the Redskins included scouting for the Personnel Department, Director of Pro Scouting, Assistant to the President, and Assistant General Manager. He has been active in the Washington, D.C., community for many years.