Earl Mitchell

Earl Mitchell (born September 25, 1987) is an American former professional football player who was a defensive tackle in the National Football League (NFL). He was selected by the Houston Texans in the third round of the 2010 NFL draft. He played college football for the Arizona Wildcats.

College career Mitchell attended the University of Arizona from 2006 to 2009.

Professional career

Houston Texans Mitchell was selected by the Houston Texans in the third round (81st overall) of the 2010 NFL draft.

Miami Dolphins On March 11, 2014, he was signed by the Miami Dolphins to a four-year, $16 million contract including $9 million guaranteed.

On September 13, 2016, Mitchell was placed on injured reserve. He was activated off injured reserve to the active roster on November 10, 2016, prior to Week 10.

On February 17, 2017, Mitchell was released by the Dolphins.

San Francisco 49ers (first stint) On February 24, 2017, Mitchell signed a four-year, $16 million contract with the San Francisco 49ers. In his first season in San Francisco, Mitchell started all 16 games, recording 33 combined tackles, one sack, and a career-high four passes defensed.

On January 23, 2019, the 49ers declined the two-year option on Mitchell's contract, making him a free agent in 2019.

Seattle Seahawks On July 24, 2019, Mitchell was signed by the Seattle Seahawks. He was released on August 31, 2019.

On November 7, 2019, Mitchell announced his retirement from the NFL.

San Francisco 49ers (second stint) On January 1, 2020, Mitchell came out of retirement and signed with the 49ers. Mitchell reached Super Bowl LIV with 49ers, but lost 31–20 to the Kansas City Chiefs. Mitchell recorded 1 tackle and 0.5 sacks in the Super Bowl.

NFL statistics Year Team 2010 HOU 15 28 18 10 1.0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2011 HOU 16 27 14 13 1.0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 2012 HOU 16 31 19 12 0.0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 3 2013 HOU 16 48 30 18 1.5 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2014 MIA 16 33 21 11 2.0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 2015 MIA 12 22 14 8 0.0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2016 MIA 9 17 11 6 0.0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2017 SF 16 33 19 14 1.0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 4 2018 SF 14 28 17 11 0.0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Career 130 268 164 104 6.5 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 9

Personal life Mitchell was born and raised in Houston, moving around with his mom, who separated from his dad. His grandma sometimes provided a home for him in the Trinity Garden neighborhood, but she died when Mitchell was 14 and Mitchell's dad died during his senior year in college.