I had gotten Jeff at Dallas Cowboys training camp so long ago, I figured it was time to get him on the remaining cards I had. The Action Packed 1992 was a great dual signature candidate, since both players remain decent signers through the mail, and it’s a great card to boot.
I was surprised that Gameday didn’t have a 1992 card of him, but the Topps Stadium Club fit in nicely as a nice c-tier card to get autographed.
In 1955, halfback Bobby Mitchell set the Big 10 collegiate record for yards per attempt in a season with 8.6 per carry.
Led the Collegiate All-Star team in 1958 to victory over the Detroit Lions when he caught 2 TD passes.
Mitchell could do it all, and with his diverse athletic skillset he played 4 different positions over his career (LH, HB, FL, SE).
A 7th round pick of the Cleveland Browns in 1958 where he was put in the backfield with HOFer Jim Brown.
Used on special teams his rookie season, he had a 98 yard kick of return and a 78 yard punt return for a TD.
In his second season ran for 743 yards on 131 carries.
232 of it came against the Washington Redskins, including a league leading 90 yard scamper.
Led the Browns with 45 catches for 612 yards and 4 TDs, and rushed for 4 more for the Browns averaging 4.6 yards per carry in 1960.
In 1962, was traded to the Washington Redskins- ironically the last team to integrate, and moved to FL.
Had another 90+ yard TD that year, with a kick off return against the Cowboys.
Posted a banner season with 72 catches for 1384 yards and 11 TDs.
Set a franchise record catching a 99 yard TD pass in 1963.
Mitchell posted another 1436 yards and 69 catches (7 TDs) that season.
Led the league with 10 TD grabs on 60 receptions in 1964.
Over the next 3 seasons, averaged roughly 60 catches a season.
Retired during training camp in 1969.
Moved into the Redskins front office as a scout and served in the front office of the franchise through 2003.
ACCOLADES:
Pro Bowl 1960, 1962-’64
All-Pro 1962-1964
Washington Redskins Ring of Fame
Cleveland Browns Ring of Honor
Washington Redskins #49 (retired)
Greatest 90 Washington Redskins
Pro Football Hall of Fame
University of Illinois Hall of Fame
NOTES:
It can not be said enough that Bobby Mitchell helped integrate the Washington Redskins, which in itself was a challenge, since the franchise was the last one to do so. He is also considered the first black player to play for the team. It was amazing that I found his certified autograph for so cheap on the secondary market.
In an era that prides itself on speed, Mitchell is one of those players who would’ve fit right in. Over his career he had NINE plays from scrimmage going 90+ yards.
RUSH
YDS
AVG
TD
LG
513
2735
5.3
18
90t
REC
YDS
AVG
TD
LG
521
7954
15.3
65
99t
KR
YDS
AVG
TD
LG
102
2690
26.4
5
98t
PR
YDS
AVG
TD
LG
69
699
10.1
3
78t
EPITAPH: 4/5/2020- Bobby Mitchell passed away at the age of 84. No cause of death was given.
In 1986, John Rienstra (OL) was a first round pick of the Pittsburgh Steelers out of Temple.
With exceptional mobility and strength, he was well suited for the Steelers trap run game.
Injuries hampered his first 3 seasons in the NFL until the 1989 season, where John established himself as a starter in 14 contests.
He signed as a Plan B free agent with the Cleveland Browns in 1991.
Started all 16 games for the first time in his career that year at LG.
Retired after the 1992 NFL season due to injury (rotator cuff).
NOTES:
Rienstra was a fearsome OL, who left it all on the field in some 7 injury riddled seasons of play, and 20 some odd scars from his playing days. He earned his nickname for his hard charging style of play, and preference to go for defenders throats. A collegiate power lifter- Rienstra at his peak lifted some 785 pounds.
Celebrating the game, the players, the cards, and the autographs for over 25 years.
