Freddie Mitchell went by many nicknames: “Fast Freddie,” the “Sultan of Slot,” “Hollywood,” “First Down Freddie,” the “People’s Champ,” and “FredEx” (because he “always delivered”).
Mitchell was the stereotypical receiver, known for his flashy style and boisterous personality.
In college, he starred for the UCLA Bruins and was known throughout Los Angeles as someone who mingled with celebrities when he wasn’t performing on the gridiron.
Promising greatness when he was drafted in the first round by the Philadelphia Eagles in 2001, Mitchell proved to be a bust.
In just four short years as an NFL player, Fast Freddie caught all of 90 passes and five touchdowns.
Although Mitchell is still known for his heroics in a playoff game against Green Bay in the 2003 playoffs, he fell far short of expectations.
Freddie Mitchell number of days until @Eagles regular season football (or 12 weeks!!!) He was a member of the NFC Championship team, and who can forget the legendary fourth-and-26?!?! #FlyEaglesFly pic.twitter.com/Pydxb8D5xa
— Corner Pub Sports (@CornerPubSports) June 18, 2023
After leaving football, Mitchell has surfaced time and again for all the wrong reasons.
This is the story of the life and disappointing career of Freddie Mitchell.
Growing up in Florida
Freddie Lee Mitchell II was born on November 28, 1978, in Lakeland, Florida.
Mitchell was the son of a pastor, and while his father was saving souls, Freddie was developing into a talented athlete.
By the time he reached Kathleen High School in Lakeland, Mitchell was already turning heads as a multi-sport phenom.
He further developed his abilities while playing baseball, basketball, cross country, and football for the Red Devils from 1993-1997, lettering in all four sports.
On the gridiron, Mitchell did anything needed to win.
At various times, he played receiver, defensive back, return specialist, and holder for kicks.
After the 1995 prep football season, Mitchell was recognized as second-team All-Lakeland area as a utility player for Kathleen.
Two seasons later, he was a SuperPrep All-American and All-State after grabbing 30 catches for 530 yards and nine scores in an offense geared toward the run.
As a basketball player, Mitchell used his speed to harass opponents into turnovers and could score points when counted on.
During his senior year, the Red Devils advanced to the state basketball championship against Jacksonville Ribault.
Mitchell scored 11 points during the contest along with three steals and a technical foul for punching a cooler out of frustration.
“I just got too excited,” said Mitchell. “I play with a lot of emotion.”
Mitchell and the Red Devils won the state title, 61-49, despite his brief outburst.
Baseball or Football?
When he wasn’t on the court or the field, Mitchell could be found on the baseball diamond.
He played in the outfield and was an effective pinch hitter for Kathleen.
His game improved to the point that Mitchell was invited to participate in the Polk County East–West Senior All-Star Game after his senior season.
Mitchell did more than just participate and ended the day with a .388 batting average, three home runs, and 11 RBIs.
A side effect of owning so much talent and ability was the choice Mitchell had to make in the spring of 1997.
He could either go pro as a baseball player or play college football.
Mitchell was courted by the Tampa Bay Devil Rays and was even drafted by the organization in the 47th round of the 1997 MLB Draft.
Potential riches were at hand, but Mitchell found himself gravitating toward football.
Dozens of schools, including in-state programs such as Florida State, Florida, and Miami wanted him, as well as UCLA and Michigan State.
“When Bobby Bowden and Steve Spurrier call you on Christmas Day and wish you a merry Christmas, that makes you feel special,” Mitchell said. “That’s what it’s all about, right there.”
Mitchell found the thought of playing near home enticing, but he decided to make a trip to Southern California to visit the UCLA campus.
Mitchell becomes a Bruin
Shortly after arriving in Los Angeles, Mitchell knew he was in the right place despite being so far from home.
“I loved this campus,” he said. “Everything was clean, everything was safe. I thought it would be a good place to go. Everybody at home was on me to stay, and my parents didn’t like the idea of me being so far away. Nobody from there ever does anything like come to school out here. That’s one reason I wanted to, to be different.”
It wasn’t only the UCLA campus that attracted Mitchell to California, it was also the possibility to be a star in a city full of them.
“I wanted to go to Hollywood,” he said in 2005. “I thought I could use this football thing to network myself.”
He committed to the Bruins and sat out his freshman year in 1997 as a redshirt.
Then, in 1998, Mitchell announced himself to the national audience when he caught four passes for 108 yards and a touchdown, threw for a touchdown, and added several more yards on the ground and as a returner in a 49-31 win over Texas.
#PlayOfTheDay (1998): UCLA WR Freddie Mitchell with a 55 yard dime on the WR Pass — UCLA 49 Texas 31 pic.twitter.com/knN2EgA8wD
— Pick Six Previews (@PickSixPreviews) July 13, 2016
He was named the PAC-10 Conference’s Offensive Player of the Week for his efforts.
The following week, Mitchell was in the midst of a huge 47-yard kick return against the Houston Cougars when he was tackled hard and broke his femur.
Although he was lost for the rest of the regular season, Mitchell attacked rehab and returned to play in the Rose Bowl against Wisconsin.
He played in a handful of snaps during the contest and threw for a 61-yard score on a fake reverse.
UCLA still came up short, losing 38-31 to the Badgers.
Mitchell Gains Momentum
Almost fully recovered from his leg injury, Mitchell got more playing time in 1999.
Before the season began, Mitchell and fellow Bruins receiver Brian Poli-Dixson went to Florida and trained with Minnesota Vikings receivers Cris Carter and Randy Moss.
The experience emboldened Mitchell to continue working on his craft and become an NFL player.
He returned to Westwood ready to fly but remained mostly grounded for the first few games by a balky knee.
The Bruins, meanwhile, went backward after playing in the Rose Bowl and fell to 4-7 in ‘99.
SI Throwback Thursday / Freddie Mitchell #UCLA #UCLABruins #Bruinsfootball #Eagles #Philly #PhiladelphiaEagles #ucla #Pac12 #nfldraft #nfl pic.twitter.com/kV087LEsDB
— Scouting Insiders (@S_Insiders) July 27, 2017
After finally healing from his knee issues, Mitchell slowly but surely came into his own and started six games.
Against the Fresno State Bulldogs, he corralled nine passes for 149 yards.
On October 23, Mitchell wowed the crowd when he caught a pass while lying on his back, although the Bruins were still crushed, 55-7, against Oregon State.
Then, in the final regular season contest against cross-town rival USC, Mitchell had five receptions for 88 yards.
His totals that season were 38 receptions for 533 yards and no touchdowns.
Mitchell led UCLA with 720 all-purpose yards.
A Brief Return to Baseball
In the spring of 2000, Mitchell decided to return to the diamond and played in 26 games for the Bruins.
He batted .235 as an outfielder and UCLA became co-champions of the PAC-10 and also advanced to the NCAA Super Regionals.
Apparently, Mitchell showed just enough promise that the Chicago White Sox drafted him in the 50th round of the 2000 MLB Draft, although Mitchell declined.
One of Mitchell’s Bruins teammates was future Philadelphia Phillies player Chase Utley.
The two got along well and Utley later commented that Mitchell’s decision to stick with football was the right choice.
“…he chose the right sport in football, that’s for sure,” said Utley. “He was a good batting practice hitter—that’s about it. He wasn’t quite the same once the game got going.”
“Hollywood” Thrives in Tinseltown
Once baseball season ended, Mitchell returned to the football field and had a year to remember.
Coach Bob Toledo’s squad still struggled on the field, ending the 2000 regular season 6-6, but Mitchell thrived.
He was lauded by a number of pre-season publications as an All-PAC 10 selection and Mitchell didn’t disappoint.
In the first week of the season, third-ranked Alabama came to town and Mitchell rose to the occasion.
As the Crimson Tide defense looked on, Mitchell caught a touchdown and passed for another on a trick play.
The result was a 35-24 UCLA upset.
Two weeks later against the Michigan Wolverines, Mitchell caught 10 passes for 137 yards and led the Bruins to another upset, 23-20.
In a September 30 game against Arizona State, Mitchell caught two touchdowns including an 80-yard bomb to help UCLA to a 38-31 comeback victory.
Sports Today in L.A. ➡️ Celebrate like Freddie Mitchell that UCLA will get its bowl game tonight for the Holiday Bowl in San Diego. #Bruins vs #NCState, 5pm on Fox. pic.twitter.com/iXbvUBvjmE
— Los Angeles Sports Union (@lasportsunion) December 28, 2021
Halfway through the 2000 season, Mitchell was the talk of college football for his speed, big plays, and even bigger personality.
He was named to several Midseason All-American teams.
Additionally, Mitchell appeared in an episode of Baywatch and was seen around LA at various clubs and hobnobbing with celebrities such as Mario Lopez, Jaleel White, and Elizabeth Hurley.
“It was like he knew everybody in the whole city,” said former UCLA player Matt Ware. “He was a legend. You would never see Freddie, but you’d always hear about him.”
Mitchell was even invited to hang out with Hugh Hefner at the Playboy Mansion.
The remainder of the season saw Mitchell continue to embarrass opponents with huge days against Stanford (seven receptions, 185 yards, one score) and USC (four receptions, 140 yards, one touchdown, and one passing score).
Mitchell Skips His Senior Year
By virtue of their 6-5 record in 2000, the Bruins were invited to play in the Sun Bowl against Wisconsin.
Although UCLA lost, 21-20, Mitchell had nine catches for a Sun Bowl record 180 yards and a highlight-reel 64-yard touchdown reception.
He was named as the game’s MVP even after being called for taunting penalties against Badgers defenders.
Remember when Freddie Mitchell called out Jamar Fletcher at the ‘00 CFB Awards ceremony (Freddie was robbed of the Biletnikoff) and then proceeded to set the Sun Bowl record for receiving yards against Fletcher? Long live Freddie.
— Ty Paul (@tyjpaul) July 28, 2018
Mitchell’s 68 receptions for 1,314 yards and eight touchdowns in 2000 brought him a host of accolades and awards.
They included: first-team All-American, first-team All-PAC 10, runner-up for the Biletnikoff Award to Pitt’s Antonio Bryant, UCLA’s Red Sanders Award as team MVP and UCLA’s Team Captain Award.
When he didn’t win the Biletnikoff Award, Mitchell was candid.
“I should have won the award, but you’ve got old dudes on the East Coast who vote and fall asleep at 11 when our games are going on,” said Mitchell. “Maybe in a couple years, I’ll have a Freddie Mitchell Award for the true best receiver in the nation.”
After the Sun Bowl, Mitchell stated that he would return for his senior year in 2001.
That didn’t last long and he declared for the 2001 NFL Draft in early January of ‘01.
“I have had a great time, but it’s time for me to give something back to my family,” said Mitchell.
Mitchell ended his college career with 110 receptions for 1,955 yards and nine touchdowns, 67 rushing yards, 247 kick return yards, and 45 punt return yards.
Additionally, Mitchell had six pass attempts for five completions, 189 yards, and four scores.
Philly Selects Mitchell
As the 2001 NFL Draft approached, the media talking heads disagreed over when Mitchell would get selected.
A number of notable names, such as ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr., projected Mitchell would be gone in the first round.
Others believed the pass catcher was a second-round talent.
One NFL scout in particular was torn over what he believed Mitchell could offer in the pros.
“I don’t think he’s as fast as people in the press try to say he is,” said the anonymous scout. “He’s absolutely fearless over the middle but he prefers to trap the ball instead of to extend for it. I don’t think he has nearly the explosion to be considered a first.”
At the NFL’s scouting combine in February, Mitchell ran the 40-yard dash in 4.46 seconds and had a nearly 40-inch vertical jump.
On draft day, the first receiver off the board was Michigan’s David Terrell to Chicago at number eight followed by North Carolina State’s Koren Robinson to Seattle at nine.
2001 NFL Draft@eagles select Freddie Mitchell at 1.25@colts select Reggie Wayne at 1.30
— Justin Woodruff (@WoodJustRuff) August 24, 2015
Rod Gardner and Santana Moss were taken in the middle of the first round before Philadelphia took Mitchell with the 25th overall pick, five spots before Indianapolis chose receiver, Reggie Wayne.
The Eagles drafted Mitchell to improve their 12th-ranked offense from 2000 and give quarterback Donovan McNabb more weapons to throw to.
“He’s a good football player,” Eagle Coach Andy Reid said. “He’s a combination of everything. He enjoys playing the game. He has the quickness, toughness, the hands and the things we think are important to play in this offense.”
Reid had visited Mitchell before the draft to get to know the receiver better.
“It’s an honor for a coach to fly out to come see a player,” said Mitchell. “It was very cool. . . . I sat down and got to know him as a person, and what he expects as a coach. I think that’s the most important thing.”
After his selection, Mitchell was asked if he would bring his boisterous behavior to Philly.
“You won’t hear no more trash-talking from Freddie Mitchell, those are the big boys, I’m just a little kid again. I’m humble.”
Growing Pains
During the spring of 2001, Mitchell worked out with McNabb so the two could get a better feel for each other before training camp.
Mitchell then began his first NFL training camp as the fourth receiver on the Eagles roster but eventually rose to the third spot.
As his rookie season approached, Reid was pleased with Mitchell’s progress.
“Mentally, [Mitchell is] right there,” said Reid. “He’s picked everything up, he’s a smart kid. He’s wide-eyed, ready to learn. He’s done a nice job when he’s been in there.”
Unfortunately, Mitchell was hobbled by a hamstring injury and received little playing time for the first few games.
By Week 8, he had accounted for only a handful of catches.
Freddie Mitchell woke up like this #Eagles pic.twitter.com/mewjjxERV6
— Sports Are Philly (@SportsArePhilly) June 28, 2014
There were a few multi-catch games as the season progressed, but Mitchell didn’t have a touchdown until Week 14 against Washington.
Philadelphia went 11-5 in 2001 and beat Tampa Bay and Chicago in the playoffs before falling to St. Louis in the NFC Championship game.
During the Eagles’ playoff run, Mitchell had three total receptions for a combined 16 yards.
His totals as a rookie amounted to one start, 21 catches for 283 yards, and one touchdown.
“My biggest struggle as a rookie was the offensive system wasn’t wired to make Freddie Mitchell successful and get Freddie Mitchell 80 catches a year. The system was ‘Hey, this is a team, do your job and let’s win ball games.’ You can’t be selfish,” said Mitchell in 2019.
2002
Hoping to rebound after a disappointing rookie season, Mitchell didn’t find the going any easier in 2002.
In the off-season, Philly signed former Green Bay receiver Antonio Freeman, making Mitchell the team’s fourth receiver.
For most of the year, Mitchell played on Philly’s special teams and had only six receptions by Week 15.
Mitchell didn’t see a start until the final game of the regular season against the New York Giants although he led the Eagles with four receptions for 35 yards.
Philly returned to the postseason and lost to Tampa Bay in the NFC Championship game.
The Eagles were a good team led by McNabb (a frequent Pro Bowl selection) but Mitchell couldn’t seem to get on track.
He ended his second NFL season with a paltry 12 catches for 105 yards and zero touchdowns.
Strangest feeling of deja vu like it's 2002 and I'm watching Todd Pinkston, Freddie Mitchell and James Thrash out there dropping passes
— Grant Uber (@GrantUber) December 4, 2016
His fall from grace was swift and Mitchell started hearing the “bust” label by the end of 2002.
That didn’t prevent him from providing the media with excuses for his poor performance.
“It sucked in my situation because the Andy Reid offense was predicated on getting 10 people the ball and spreading it around,” said Mitchell. “When you’re doing your job as a receiver, and the ball is being spread around, you end up with one catch or two catches, but you could have graded out as an A+. But, at the end of the season, after 16 games, you have 30 catches or 40 catches and people are like ‘those are crappy numbers.’ It’s not your fault, you’re just doing your job within the system. It just sucks.″
2003
In 2003, Freeman left Philly and returned to play for the Packers.
Mitchell then slid to the Eagles’ third receiver spot.
Although he was a starting slot receiver for the Eagles, Mitchell still struggled.
Through the first month of the season, he had six receptions.
During a Week 9 game against Atlanta, Mitchell caught two balls for 43 yards and a touchdown.
In Week 15, Mitchell tossed a touchdown pass against Miami in a 34-27 victory.
By season’s end, Mitchell had six starts, 35 receptions, 498 yards, two scores, and a passing touchdown.
4th and 26
Philadelphia brought a 12-4 record into the playoffs and met Green Bay in the Divisional round.
After the Packers took a 14-7 lead at halftime, the Eagles clawed back to tie the contest at 14-all before Green Bay kicked a field goal to retake the lead, 17-14.
The Eagles took over, and in short order, found themselves on the verge of defeat.
On fourth and 26 at their own 25-yard line, and just 1:12 remaining in the game, it looked like Philly’s season was finished.
When the ball was snapped, Mitchell ran from his slot position toward the middle of the field.
McNabb spotted him and let the ball fly.
Mitchell jumped and caught the ball at the Packers’ 49-yard line and ran forward one yard, just past the first down marker.
Freddie Mitchell
Wide Receiver
Philadelphia Eagles (2001-2004)pic.twitter.com/BVFo1r2lRp— Random Philly Athletes (@philly_athletes) May 5, 2021
He was immediately crushed by two Packers defenders but it didn’t matter.
Mitchell’s reception was good for 28 yards and Philly had new life.
Before his huge catch, Mitchell hadn’t seen the ball all game, but he noticed a glaring weakness in the Packers’ secondary.
“Before that, I saw that the defensive coordinator was going into a prevent defense and leaving holes,” said Mitchell. “So I let Andy Reid know.”
Sure enough, Mitchell exposed the Green Bay coverage and then tooted his own horn.
“Andy is sometimes receptive of what you’re seeing,” he said, “because sometimes on the field you’re seeing more than anybody, and you know what’s going on. So he was receptive to that, and he called a play where I could work my magic. And FredEx delivered.”
A few plays after the reception, the Eagles tied the game on a David Akers field goal and Akers kicked another field goal in overtime for a 20-17 triumph.
One week later, Mitchell had four receptions for 38 yards in Philly’s NFC Championship game loss to Carolina.
2004
Mitchell’s heroics in the Green Bay game was dissected and discussed for months and the 4th and 26 catch is still a fan favorite to this day.
However, in the offseason, the Eagles acquired former 49ers receiver Terrell Owens.
With a new focal point for the offense, Mitchell returned to his slot position.
Through the first quarter of the year, Mitchell had seven receptions, but he started to falter as the season continued.
His highlight of the regular season came during a Week 10 game against Dallas on Monday Night Football.
That’s when Mitchell caught a 60-yard pass from McNabb after the quarterback spent almost 15 seconds scrambling for his life.
On November 15, 2004 Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Donovan McNabb scrambled for 14 seconds and threw a 60 yard pass to Freddie Mitchell. McNabb finished 345 passing yards and 4 touchdowns as the Eagles laid down the hammer in a 49-21 bounce back win against the Dallas Cowboys. https://t.co/z8rX5JDfML pic.twitter.com/bo2U7tW78n
— Cole #EnergyDrinkTwt (@FWoodsBlackOps1) May 31, 2023
Despite the Monday Night play, Mitchell was rarely used, and eventually, he became openly disgruntled.
“The system — even when I played with Terrell Owens — it felt like they had to give Owens a certain amount of touches to answer to the amount of money they were paying him and that’s a whole new ball game,” remarked Mitchell in 2019.
At one point, he caught a pass in a game and pointed to his wrist, later clarifying that the gesture meant “it was about time” that he was thrown to.
In Week 17, Mitchell had his best game of the year when he caught six passes for 76 yards and a touchdown against Cincinnati.
His fourth-year totals were 22 receptions for 377 yards and two touchdowns.
“For a wide receiver to really, really be able to do what they want to do, it takes four years,” said Mitchell. “Just to be comfortable, just to have eyes to be able to read the defense. It takes four years to really be comfortable with that. On top of that, it makes it comfortable when you have a mentor at the receiver position to help you understand how to be a true professional and how to learn the little gimmicks and stuff like that to remember plays. That being said, that wasn’t the case for me. I had nobody to look up to.”
2004 Postseason
Armed with a 13-3 record, the Eagles went to the 2004 playoffs with a singular focus to reach the Super Bowl at long last.
In the team’s Divisional round matchup against Minnesota, Mitchell scored a touchdown and then pretended to pull his pants up.
That contrasted Vikings receiver Randy Moss’ gesture the week before when he pretended to pull his pants down and moon the Green Bay fans in the Wild Card round.
In the second quarter, Mitchell pounced on a fumble in the end zone by teammate L.J. Smith and was awarded with a second score.
Old School All-22 takes us back to #Eagles-Vikings in the 2004 playoffs, breaking down key touchdowns by Brian Westbrook and Freddie Mitchell.#FlyEaglesFly pic.twitter.com/dDRGtgMRxP
— Philadelphia Eagles (@Eagles) October 5, 2018
He ended the day with a team-best five catches for 65 yards and two touchdowns in Philly’s 27-14 win.
After the game, Mitchell was pleased with his performance.
“I’m trying to take a humble approach,” Mitchell said, pausing for effect. “I’m a special player and I just want to thank my hands for being so great.”
One week later, Mitchell had two receptions for 20 yards against Atlanta as the Eagles finally won an NFC Championship game on their fourth try in as many years.
Mitchell Gets Chippy, Underperforms in Super Bowl XXXIX
One would think that a player who had but a handful of memorable plays in his career would act accordingly before the biggest game of his life.
Not so much for Mitchell.
Before Philly played New England in Super Bowl XXXIX, Mitchell got angry when the Eagles’ public relations director didn’t get him a podium for media day.
Typically, podiums are reserved for the game’s more high-profile players.
When he did sit down for an interview, Mitchell raised eyebrows when he said he didn’t know the names of any of the Patriots’ defensive backs.
Ehh, Freddie Mitchell said something similar before Super Bowl XXXIX. Ended up catching fewer passes from McNabb than Rodney Harrison. https://t.co/SmxCA5m59X
— Chris Laporte (@LaporteReporte) January 27, 2017
However, Mitchell then called out Pats safety Rodney Harrison.
“I got something for you, Harrison.”
Mitchell later claimed that he was joking but Harrison wasn’t laughing.
“You have so many young guys nowadays, so many young guys that don’t have respect for the game,” remarked Harrison. “Some people are just immature. Some people really haven’t experienced certain things.”
The Super Bowl turned out to be one of the best in recent memory as New England hung on for a close 24-21 victory.
February 6, 2005
Rodney Harrison (12 tackles, 2 INT, sack) leads the Pats to a (24-21) win over Freddie Mitchell and the Eagles
Pats win back-to-back Super Bowls and their 3rd title in 4 years
This can’t last another 14 years, can it?pic.twitter.com/lP1PsUi99n
— Boston Sports Info (@bostonsportsinf) February 6, 2023
Predictably, the same Patriots defensive backs that Mitchell mocked before the contest limited him to one reception for 11 yards.
“I felt used,” Mitchell said of his Super Bowl XXXIX experience. “I felt like at times when Donovan didn’t perform, I was a scapegoat from the receiver group.”
His stat line for the game prompted normally tight-lipped New England coach Bill Belichick to make a comment.
“All he [Mitchell] does is talk,” said Belichick. “He’s terrible, and you can print that. I was happy when he was in the game.”
Mitchell Retires
Months later, Mitchell was preparing for his fifth NFL season but stayed away from the Eagles’ minicamp in the spring.
His absence didn’t mean much to Philly and the team released him in May of 2005.
Mitchell signed with the Kansas City Chiefs shortly after but injured his knee and was cut from the team.
Over the next few years, Mitchell worked out for five NFL teams as well as the Toronto Argonauts of the CFL but was not signed by any of them.
With no other options, Mitchell retired.
In four seasons, he tallied 90 receptions for 1,263 yards and five touchdowns and had three pass attempts for 25 yards and one touchdown.
The World According to Freddie
Reflecting back on his short NFL career, Mitchell remains convinced that his failure to make a name for himself lies squarely with the Eagles.
In particular, Mitchell believes that both Reid and McNabb conspired against him.
“I’m a forgiving person, but if somebody can cost you about $40 million for a second contract, I don’t know how forgiving you can be,” Mitchell said, referring to McNabb. “I feel like I sacrificed so much to get that big second contract, and he screwed me. It just sucks. And that’s how the game goes.”
According to Mitchell, Reid’s offensive system didn’t utilize him enough and McNabb had his own agenda that didn’t include his teammate.
“Any time it’s a third-down situation or fourth-down situation, then they needed me,” he said. “Now they want me. So it’s just humorous to me because I had to self-promote myself because I was just not getting any love, only because Donovan McNabb wanted all the attention. I felt used pretty much the whole time,” he concluded, “because my talents weren’t utilized the way I thought they should have been.”
Life After Football
While Mitchell tried to catch on with an NFL franchise, he frequented various television shows and opened a barbeque restaurant in Lakeland.
He was briefly arrested in 2009 when a seven-pound package of marijuana was mailed to his restaurant.
Mitchell was later released.
His restaurant also closed its doors in ‘09 due to Michell’s failure to make payments for the business.
That same year, Mitchell was arrested for failure to pay child support.
In 2013, he was sentenced to four years in prison for a tax fraud scheme that involved former NBA player Drew Goodon.
Eagles: Freddie Mitchell admits tax fraud http://t.co/KdtB6PxHMb pic.twitter.com/VaTsT06HD9
— 1st To Know (@1st_to_know) March 9, 2013
His original sentence was for 10 years, but Mitchell’s lawyers were successful in reducing his time because of cognitive issues he reportedly suffered in the NFL.
Then, in September of 2021, Mitchell appeared in the news again when he was rescued from his home in Florida as Hurricane Ida slammed the East Coast.
Former Philadelphia Eagles star Freddie Mitchell had to be rescued from his house as the remnants from Hurricane Ida blew through the Northeast earlier in the week https://t.co/cTNgtftZ2h
— H24 News US (@h24news_us) September 5, 2021
Rescuers awakened Mitchell from his sleep and the former receiver escaped the flooding wearing only his underwear.
“The local fire department over there actually came, banged on my window and literally it was three stories up banging on my window with a rescue boat saying you need to get out,” Mitchell said. “You need to evacuate ASAP. It was the most (sic) craziest I ever experience … My house being flooded. It was crazy.”
Mitchell found his way to a nearby Wal-Mart where he was able to buy clothes.
Currently, Mitchell resides in Florida and is married with one daughter.
References
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Freddie_Mitchell
https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2001-apr-22-sp-54287-story.html
https://www.tampabay.com/archive/1999/11/20/player-spotlight-freddie-mitchell/
https://uclabruins.com/sports/2013/4/17/208195176.aspx
https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/ex-eagles-wr-freddie-mitchell-sentenced-to-37-months-in-prison/
https://www.foxnews.com/sports/nfl-freddie-mitchell-rescued-home-ida
https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/players/freddie-mitchell-1.html
https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/M/MitcFr00.htm
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