Former NFL defensive lineman Jim Mitchell, who spent his entire career with the Detroit Lions, has died. He was 77.
Mitchell died on June 20, according to the Detroit Free Press.
A Virginia native, he played for the Lions from 1970 to 1977.
Mitchell appeared in 101 career games and made 67 starts, according to Pro Football Reference.
He finished his career with 18 sacks across eight NFL seasons, recording a career-high five sacks in 1972.
Prior to playing in the NFL, Mitchell attended Virginia State University, where he was a member of the class of 1969.
After his playing days, Mitchell was a successful businessman. He “became the owner and operator of one of the largest African American automobile dealerships,” according to Virginia State.
Ken Clark, who worked for Mitchell, remembered him in a post on Facebook.
“My former employer, Jim Mitchell passed today. He owned several businesses in Lynchburg, mainly Lynchburg Ford, Jim Mitchell Hyundai and Appomattox Ford. He also owned Winchester Ford and Martinsville Ford,” Clark said.
“He supported and hosted The Children Miracle Network telethon each year. I enjoyed my employment working for Jim Mitchell for several years and he was a good person and human being to have known and worked for. His slogan in his commercials was, ‘We’ll Tackle Any Deal’ being that he was an ex NFL player for the Detroit Lions for quite a few years.”