Happy 75th birthday to Lydell Mitchell! Mitchell was a running back for nine seasons in the NFL: 1972 to 1977 with the Baltimore Colts, 1978 and 1979 with the San Diego Chargers, and 1980 with the Los Angeles Rams. He gained over 1000 yards from scrimmage six straight years, from 1973 to 1978, and he was chosen for the Pro Bowl three times.
Before his pro career, Mitchell starred at Penn State. He finished fifth in voting for the Heisman Trophy in 1971 (see the Gallery’s page of Heisman candidates), and he was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2004.
Today’s card of the day is Mitchell’s rookie card, a 1973 Topps. Not surprisingly, he also appeared on many more cards. You can see them all in the Gallery.
