Cowboys sign TE Johnny Mitchell
Posted: November 21, 1996
at 7:44 p.m. EST
Tight end Johnny Mitchell, who retired from the Miami Dolphins
in training camp, today signed a one-year contract with the
Dallas Cowboys.
Dallas has been searching for tight end help since they found out
before the season that Jay Novacek would miss the season. Eric
Bjornson, who has two bad ankles, has stepped in, but Mitchell
could give the Cowboys an added threat, especially in the
passing game.
The Cowboys visit the New York Giants on Sunday, but it is not
known if Mitchell will see any action.
Mitchell spent two weeks in camp with the Dolphins before coach
Jimmy Johnson said the player had lost his desire for the game
and decided to retire. Mitchell's agent, Anthony Hilliard, said
his client wanted a leave of absence to take care of unspecified
family issues and wasn't given one by the Dolphins.
Hilliard's account differs from what occurred during Dolphins'
training camp, when Mitchell said he was unable to practice due
to back problems. However, a bone scan on his back was
negative.
The 25-year-old Mitchell was bothered by a chronic muscular
condition when he was with the New York Jets, who made him a
first-round pick in 1992. Back problems forced him to miss four
games last season, when he caught 45 passes for 497 yards and a
career-high five touchdowns.
Mitchell has 158 receptions for 2,086 yards and 16 touchdowns in
his NFL career. He enjoyed his finest season in 1994 when he
had 58 catches for 749 yards and four touchdowns.
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