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Patriots gridiron news: Malcolm Mitchell goes out like a champion

By Tarringo Basile-vaughan

FOXBORO, MA - OCTOBER 02: Malcolm Mitchell #19 of the New England Patriots reacts from the sideline in the first half during a game with the Buffalo Bills at Gillette Stadium on October 2, 2016 in Foxboro, Massachusetts. He was involved with an altercation with Robert Blanton #26 of the Buffalo Bills before the start of their game. (Photo by Jim Rogash/Getty Images)
FOXBORO, MA - OCTOBER 02: Malcolm Mitchell #19 of the New England Patriots reacts from the sideline in the first half during a game with the Buffalo Bills at Gillette Stadium on October 2, 2016 in Foxboro, Massachusetts. He was involved with an altercation with Robert Blanton #26 of the Buffalo Bills before the start of their game. (Photo by Jim Rogash/Getty Images) /
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After being released by the New England Patriots, third-year wide receiver Malcolm Mitchell showed his champion heart by thanking the fans and organization.

It’s a business and Malcolm Mitchell found that out the hard way when he was released by the New England Patriots on Monday.

The release was proof that dreams can fade just as fast as they rise in the National Football League.

A fourth-round pick out of the University of Georgia in the 2016 NFL Draft, Mitchell morphed into a valuable weapon for Tom Brady and the Patriots during his rookie season.  He contributed with 32 receptions for 401 yards and four touchdowns in that first season.  His greatest contribution came in Super Bowl LI.

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In that game, Mitchell’s six receptions for 70 yards helped the New England Patriots complete the greatest comeback in Super Bowl history.  The 35-28 victory was not only his best game as a professional, it may have been his last.

Due to a knee problem that hasn’t gotten any better over the past two training camps, the Patriots decision to part ways with the young receiver means they don’t see him adding the same value he did during his rookie campaign when healthy.  Other teams may have that same hesitance.

While there still could be a future in the NFL for Malcolm Mitchell, he thanked fans and the organization for the amazing experience he had.

On Tuesday, Mitchell posted the following goodbye note to New England via Instagram:

"“New England, thank you!  My heart hurts, but I smile when thinking about all the love, support and patience you have given me.  To the community this is not goodbye, it’s I’ll see you later.  Go Pats!”"

Along with an image of him raising his hands during the Super Bowl LII celebration was a quote that read: “No matter what happens in life, I’ll forever be a World Champion.”

Though brief, Mitchell showed with that post just how much of a professional he is.  With the promise he showed towards the end of his rookie season, it is both frustrating and disappointing that the 26-year-old receiver will not have a chance to build on the chemistry he formed with Brady.

Bill Belichick addresses the release 

Whatever is going on with Malcolm Mitchell’s knee, it appears to be career threatening.  While addressing the media Tuesday morning at Gillette Stadium, New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick was asked about the team’s decision to part ways with the young receiver.

His response wasn’t much more revealing than what we already know, but it did prove Michell did what he could to try to get back on the field.

"“He did everything he could.  It’s unfortunate it didn’t work out,” Belichick said.  “I don’t know how he could have put in any more than he did.”"

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With the current status of the New England Patriots receiving group, the team had to feel Malcolm Mitchell couldn’t add much to the team this upcoming season or any season beyond.  They could’ve placed him on PUP with hopes he’d be ready somewhere during the season.  It seems hope dwindled following his performance or lack thereof in training camp.

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