James Robert Mitchell (October 19, 1947 – October 20, 2007) was an American professional football player who was a tight end for 11 seasons with the Atlanta Falcons in the National Football League (NFL).

During his rookie season the big tight end caught 22 passes for 339 yards, scoring 4 touchdowns — sufficient to win him a place on the 1969 Pro Bowl team.

[3] He nearly doubled his production during his second season with the team, catching 44 balls for 650 yards and 6 touchdowns.

[2] Although the Falcons were a poor team in these years, Mitchell emerged as an offensive star and team leader and he was named captain of the Falcons offense in 1971.

[4] Mitchell's son, Brandon Hodges, played football at Bethune-Cookman University.