Axmen honor Mitchell with bobblehead night

KINGSPORT, Tenn. (WJHL) – The Appalachian League returned to action on Tuesday night after a day of rest on Monday.

At Hunter Wright Stadium, it was a special theme night to honor a local athlete from Big Stone Gap.

It was James Mitchell Bobblehead Night in the Model City for all fans in attendance. The former Union (Va.) and Virginia Tech star – now Detroit Lions tight end – made the trip over sign the bobbleheads and take in the atmosphere.

Mitchell is entering his third season in the National Football League (NFL) and loves everything about. However, it is moments like tonight that make him appreciate the dream he gets to live each day.

“Sometimes, it’s like I said, everything I’ve been able to accomplish is something you can only dream of,” he said. “And you’ll see these things kind of come to fruition and, you know, get these kind of nice, cool and have my own bobblehead.”

“I never thought I’d be able to say that,” he continued. “So it’s cool. It’s definitely a blessing. You know, something I worked a long time for, worked hard for, you know, a lot of long days, nights – a lot of traveling. I just got to stay the course and I’m looking forward to this next season.”

Mitchell, who suffered a finger injury last season, says he’s fully healed and will be ready to start training camp later this month. The team’s first practice is scheduled for Saturday, July 27.

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