Chris Mims

Christopher Eddie Mims (September 29, 1970 – October 15, 2008) was an American professional football player who was a defensive end in the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Tennessee Volunteers. Mims was selected by the San Diego Chargers in the first round of the 1992 NFL draft with the 23rd overall pick. He also spent one season with the Washington Redskins. He retired in 2000 after being released by the Chicago Bears in training camp that same year.

Early life Mims' father Lorenzo died at 38 in an apparent homicide when Chris was 11. Mims attended Susan Miller Dorsey High School in Los Angeles, California. After earning better grades, he was recruited by assistant coach A. J. Christoff to the University of Tennessee where he spent two seasons.

Professional career Mims was selected in the first round (23rd overall) of the 1992 NFL draft. As a rookie, he appeared in 16 games with four starts. During his rookie season, he recorded 53 tackles, 10 sacks, one forced fumble and one fumble recovery as well as recording a safety. In 1993, he appeared in 16 games with seven starts. He recorded 32 tackles, seven sacks, two forced fumbles. For the 1994 season, he started all 16 games. He recorded 35 tackles (28 solo.), 11 sacks, three forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries. In 1995, he started all 15 games he appeared in. He recorded 28 tackles (24 solo.), two sacks, one forced fumble and one fumble recovery. For 1996, he start all 15 games he appeared in. He recorded 20 tackles (12 solo.), six sacks, one forced fumble and one fumble recovery.

After spending five seasons with the Chargers, Mims signed as an unrestricted free agent with the Washington Redskins on June 10, 1997. In 1997, his lone season with the Redskins, he appeared in 11 games with seven starts. For the season, he recorded 16 tackles (10 solo.), four sacks and one forced fumble.

One year, to the day after signing with the Redskins, Mims re-signed with the Chargers to a one-year contract. During his final years, Mims was unable to take care of himself and he lived on disability payments and avoided bill collectors. The cause of death was determined to be an enlarged heart. He weighed at the time of his death. He was taken to court more than 20 times for unpaid bills in San Diego County.