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Former Falcons TE Mitchell dies

Pro Bowler passes away at 60 from apparent heart attack

Former longtime Atlanta Falcons tight end Jim Mitchell has died from an apparent heart attack, according to a report published in the Shelbyville (Tenn.) Times Gazette.

Mitchell, who had celebrated his 60th birthday on Friday, was reportedly found unconscious by a friend on the front steps of his home. He was later declared dead at a local hospital.

According to the report, Mitchell played ten seasons for the Falcons from 1969-79, and was twice named to the Pro Bowl. He played college football at Prairie View A&M in Texas.

After retiring from the NFL, Mitchell coached college football at Morehouse and Morris Brown. In recent years, according to the report, Mitchell had been in declining health; suffering from diabetes-related problems in the past few years, which eventually took his eyesight.