Mitchell attended Lake Taylor High School in Norfolk, Virginia,[1] where he was an all-district selection on both sides of the ball, playing tight end on offense.
[3] Though scheduled to redshirt his freshman year, Mitchell played due to injuries to other players.
[4] Mitchell missed the 2004 season stemming from an injury suffered while practicing for the Peach Bowl the previous year.
[4] After being selected in the seventh round of the 2007 NFL draft with the 220th overall pick,[8] Mitchell was signed to a three-year contract on June 18, 2007, and was assigned to the practice squad.
[9] Due to an injury to Scott Fujita,[10][11] Mitchell was brought up from the practice squad and made his NFL debut on October 7, 2007, against the Carolina Panthers.