Mitchell Donates to University

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Jan. 29, 2002

EAGLES' MITCHELL RETURNS TO RAGIN' CAJUN ROOTS

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LAFAYETTE -? NFL standout Brian Mitchell returned to his Ragin' Cajun roots today to lend his support to the athletic program which helped launch his

successful football career.

The Philadelphia Eagles running back and former Ragin' Cajun star quarterback established an endowment for the Ragin' Cajun Athletic program at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette during a ceremony at the Cajundome. The donation, which will provide assistance to the football program, came from the Brian Mitchell Foundation, a non-profit organization designed to enhance the lives of youths, regardless of race or social status. In addition, Mitchell established an endowment for the Legacy Foundation of Acadiana during the ceremony.

Mitchell formed the Foundation in November to honor his father's legacy of dedication and giving. "I remember being mesmerized by my parents' dedication and devotion to our family and the community as a whole," Mitchell said. "Their constant giving baffled me because most people were not interested in the state of others, while my parents gave freely from their hearts."

He considers the Foundation an extension of his family with everyone working toward a common goal. It exists on three levels, with the first two centered on mentoring programs and fundraisers and the third focusing on the establishment of several family and technology rooms in Philadelphia and Washington hospitals and the renovation of a community center in Mitchell's hometown of Plaquemine.

Other beneficiaries of the Brian Mitchell Foundation include the American Heart Association, Ronald McDonald House, The Philadelphia Coalition for Hunger, The Multiple Sclerosis Society among others.

"It's so great to see former students and Ragin' Cajun athletes doing so much, not only for our university but for so many communities," said UL Lafayette President Dr. Ray Authement. "The University prides itself on producing well-rounded, well-educated students who make profound marks in the lives they touch. Brian Mitchell is an example of this type of student.

"His Foundation represents his caring nature and honors his father's legacy of generosity and commitment," Authement continued. "We are very proud to be a part of Brian's history and very thankful for his support."

Mitchell, who majored in management at UL Lafayette, is the all-time leader in rushing, scoring and total offense at UL Lafayette. He led the Ragin' Cajuns to four straight winning seasons, becoming the first player in NCAA history to pass for more than 5,000 yards and run more than 3,000 yards in his collegiate career. He also held the NCAA record for most rushing touchdowns by a quarterback with 47.

Mitchell began his NFL career in 1990 with the Washington Redskins where he enjoyed a Superbowl win in 1991 and was selected for a Pro Bowl appearance in 1996.? He remained with the Redskins until joining the Philadelphia Eagles in 2000.? This season Mitchell was named the Eagles' MVP and joined NFL greats Walter Payton and Jerry Rice as the only three players in NFL to accumulate 20,000 all-purpose yards.

University of Louisiana at Lafayette Athletics

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