Lance Robert Mitchell (born October 9, 1981) is an American former professional football player who was a linebacker for the Arizona Cardinals of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Oklahoma Sooners and was selected by the Cardinals in the fifth round of the 2005 NFL draft. Mitchell also played for the Orlando Predators and Arizona Rattlers of the Arena Football League (AFL).
Early life
Mitchell attended Los Banos High School, where he was a three-year starter and an All-State selection at both linebacker and running back. As a senior, he averaged 9.6 yards-per-carry, rushed for more than 3,000 yards, and scored 36 touchdowns. His best game as a running back was 12 attempt, 250 yard performance, including six touchdowns.
College career
Mitchell originally signed with the University of Florida, but the Southeastern Conference ruled him ineligible because an issue with his high school transcript. While in college, he majored in Sociology.
National Football League (2005–2006)
Mitchell was selected in the fifth round (168th overall) of the 2005 NFL draft by the Arizona Cardinals. As a rookie, he played in 12 games, recording eight tackles on defense, along with 14 special teams tackles. In 2006, he appeared in two preseason games for the Cardinals, however, he suffered an injury, and on September 5 was placed him on Injured Reserve. Then, just three days later, he and the Cardinals agreed on an injury settlement and he was released by the team. For his rookie season, he started all 15 games he played in at linebacker. For the season he finished seventh on the team with 18.5 tackles, second on the team with 3.5 tackles-for-losses, and third on the team with two sacks. His performance for the season earned him AFL All-Rookie honors. However, he was not re-signed by the Predators and became a free agent.
On November 19, 2007, Mitchell signed with the Arizona Rattlers. Then on February 6, 2008, he refused to report to camp with the Rattlers. In turn, on September 10, he was waived by the Rattlers.