Redskins to Retire Bobby Mitchell's No. 49

It's a shame that Bobby Mitchell won't be able to see it. Or maybe he will from his perch in heaven?

The Washington Redskins are doing something nice for Mitchell, his family and legacy.

We’re pleased to announce the official jersey retirement (#49) of Pro Football Hall of Famer, humanitarian, and all-time legend Bobby Mitchell.

Only the second player in our history to receive this honor (Sammy Baugh #33).

Details: https://t.co/ih6STuP24d pic.twitter.com/xaPPvnc22t
— Washington Commanders (@Commanders) June 20, 2020

“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," said Redskins Owner Dan Snyder.

Mitchell's long-time wife, Gwen, said “Bobby would have been thrilled and humbled by this wonderful recognition.

"He was totally engaged in his work and his family and was a truly great man and a great husband. I would like to thank Dan Snyder and the entire Washington Redskins organization for this great honor."

Redskins Head Coach Ron Rivera tweeted some warm sentiments on the honor:

A well deserved honor for one of the true icons of our game and a strong representative of our Organization. Thank you for leading the way Bobby Mitchell #49 https://t.co/len0Tc2gzg
— Ron Rivera (@RiverboatRonHC) June 20, 2020

"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," Snyder said.

"He was one of the greatest men I have ever known."

The timing is interesting on this recognition. One day after former Redskins Owner George Preston Marshall's memorial statue was removed from the RFK Stadium grounds on Juneteenth.

We'll leave it at that (for now) in this space but the first black player in the sordid history of the Redskins earned this honor for what he did on the football field, in the front office and as a human being.

As per @john_keim’s report, the Redskins are right to retire Bobby Mitchell’s number 49 and honor one stadium level with his name. Bobby was not only an HOFer on the field, but also off. But do more and retire Sonny’s number 9 and consider John Riggins’ 44 and Darrell Green’s 28.
— Rick Snider's Washington (@Snide_Remarks) June 20, 2020

Congratulations Bobby and to the Mitchell family.

A shot of owner Dan Snyder, Sam Huff and the late Bobby Mitchell : pic.twitter.com/anzITjtppr
— John Keim (@john_keim) June 20, 2020

Sign up free, register and join us by voicing your opinion on our community pages and right below!

Chris Russell is the Publisher of RedskinsReport.com & Sports Illustrated's Washington Redskins channel. He can be heard on 106.7 The FAN in the Washington D.C. area and world-wide on Radio.com. Chris also hosts the "Locked on Redskins" Podcast and can be read via subscription to Warpath Magazine. You can e-mail Chris at russellmania09@Gmail.com or follow him on Twitter at @Russellmania621.