Eskimos Congratulate Derrell "Mookie" Mitchell on Hall of Fame Induction
November 27, 2015 - Canadian Football League (CFL)
Edmonton Elks News Release
(Winnipeg) - Today, former Eskimos receiver and coach Derrell Mitchell was named to the 2016 Canadian Football Hall of Fame Class.
"Mookie," as he was called,had an 11-year career in the Canadian Football League (1997-2007), highlighted by Grey Cup wins with the Toronto Argonauts (1997) and Edmonton Eskimos (2005).
The Miami, Florida native played three seasons with the Eskimos (2004-06), recording 212 receptions for 2,967 yards and 16 touchdowns. In 2005, he finished second in team receiving yards (1,207) with his sixth-career 1,000-yard receiving season.
Mitchell entered the CFL with the Argos in 1997, playing with the double blue through the 2003 season and again in 2007. He immediately made a mark in the league, recording 1,457 yards on 77 receptions and 17 touchdowns - earning him the CFL's Most Outstanding Rookie Award. He went on to record 821 receptions for 12,014 yards (9th on the all-time receiving yards list) and 90 touchdowns in his career.
He still holds the CFL record for the most receptions in a single season with 160 (1998) and remains tied for the most receptions in a single game with 16 (1998). Mitchell also recorded 47 games with 100-yards or more. He was a five-time CFL East Division All-Star (1997, 1998, 2000, 2001 and 2002) and a three-time CFL All-Star (1997, 1998 and 2000).
After retirement in 2008, Mitchell spent time as a scout and guest coach for the Eskimos. He joined the Green and Gold full-time as a receivers assistant in 2011 and as the receivers coach in 2012.
Joining Mitchell in the Class of 2016 is former offensive lineman Doug Brown, defensive lineman Rodney Harding and linebacker James West. Also inducted into the builder category is Don McDonald. Induction weekend details will be made available at a later date.
The new inductees will bring the total number of Canadian Football Hall of Fame members to 283 in the Hall's Zone of Champions, which features busts of each member. The Canadian Football Hall of Fame and Museum operates as a non-profit registered charity. Located in Hamilton, Ontario since 1963, it is home to more than 80,000 Canadian football artifacts, ranging from equipment and trophies to photos and videos. The Hall will be relocated to Tim Hortons Field in 2016.
• Discuss this story on the Canadian Football League message board...
Canadian Football League Stories from November 27, 2015
- Jeff Perrett's Courage Recognized Throughout the CFL - Montreal Alouettes
- 103rd Grey Cup is Sold Out - Winnipeg Blue Bombers
- Grey Cup Week at the Canadian Football League Welcomes the Whistle Sports RV - CFL
- Orridge Unveils New Brand Positioning at Annual Address - Toronto Argonauts
- Argos Derrell Mitchell and Rodney Harding Named to Canadian Football Hall of Fame - Toronto Argonauts
- Two Ex-Stamps Part of 2016 Hall of Fame Class - Calgary Stampeders
- Canadian Football Hall of Fame Class of 2016 Announced - CFL
- Eskimos Congratulate Derrell "Mookie" Mitchell on Hall of Fame Induction - Edmonton Elks
- CFL Launches New Brand Positioning - CFL
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
