Mitchell was born in Wayne, Michigan and grew up in Sparta, Tennessee and attended White County High School.
[1] Mitchell was a three year starter at fullback for the Tennessee Volunteers.
He finished his collegiate career with 1,266 rushing yards and 10 touchdowns.
[2] Mitchell was selected in the eighth round of the 1966 NFL Draft by the Washington Redskins but opted to sign with the newly formed Miami Dolphins of the American Football League, joining Tennessee teammate Frank Emanuel.
[3][4][5] Mitchell initially lived out of his car during training camp, expecting to be cut, and spent much of his rookie season on the taxi squad, playing in two games during the Dolphins' inaugural season.