How a diminutive running back became an NFL coaching mainstay
In short: Standing only 5'9", Lyvonia "Stump" Mitchell earned his nickname by never being intimidated by larger opponents. From breaking records at The Citadel to coaching in the NFL, his journey from a ninth-round draft pick to a veteran strategist reveals the enduring grit required to survive in professional football.
Mitchell's career started during the 1981 NFL draft, when the St. Louis Cardinals chose him in round nine as pick 226. Despite his relatively small stature of 5'9" and 188 lbs, he carved out a significant career. His standout professional season arrived in 1985, when he amassed 1,006 rushing yards and seven touchdowns, while adding another 502 yards and three touchdowns as a receiver. Throughout ten NFL seasons, he gained 4,647 rushing yards and 32 touchdowns; his 11,985 all-purpose yards rank second in Cardinals history, surpassed only by Larry Fitzgerald.
Beyond his playing days, Mitchell transitioned into a prolific coaching career. He acted as head coach at Southern University (2010–2012) and Morgan State University (1996–1998). During his time at Southern, he oversaw a tenure of 24 games, finishing with a 6–18 overall record. His coaching journey also included a long stint with the Seattle Seahawks from 1999 to 2007, and roles with the Washington Redskins and the Arizona Cardinals.
In more recent years, Mitchell has continued to influence the game from the sidelines. He served as the running backs coach for the New York Jets starting in February 2017 and later joined the Cleveland Browns in 2019. His time with the Browns concluded on January 17, 2024, when he was fired by head coach Kevin Stefanski following a Wild Card round loss to the Houston Texans. Looking toward the future, Mitchell is set to return to his roots at The Citadel as a senior advisor beginning in Spring 2026.
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- Summary by Intellect · source: Stump Mitchell
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