Adonai Mitchell Writes a Dedicated Letter to His Daughter and Considers His “Special” Career
Texas’s Austin Adonai Mitchell, a receiver for the Texas Longhorns, officially left Austin after one season to enter the 2024 NFL Draft. And despite spending just a year as a star on the Forty Acres, the Missouri City, Texas, native made a lasting impression on Texans and helped the Longhorns get to within one play of the National Championship. Mitchell wrote a letter to his daughter via The Players’ Tribune in which he thanked Georgia and Texas, looked back on his stellar college career, and most importantly, left a message for her to read in the future. In addition, Mitchell informed Texans that he will return to Austin shortly to complete his degree.
Mitchell writes to his daughter, saying, “You’re the best thing that’s ever happened to me and my reason for everything I do.” “So I’m writing you this letter because I wanted to share some news that’s going to change both of our lives: Today, I’m officially declaring for the NFL Draft.”
In between the beginning and end, Mitchell provides more details about the ups and downs that his college career took him through but ends his lengthy heartfelt letter by saying how grateful he is for everything that’s happened. “This is a time in my life I’m always going to treasure,” he writes. “Honestly, thinking about all the places I’ve been and things I’ve gotten to do is almost overwhelming. I’m just so grateful for it all. And now, I’m most excited about what’s next — for both of us.” Mitchell was the intended target in the end zone on the final play in Texas’ 37-31 loss to Washington in the Sugar Bowl. The final snap of his college career didn’t end the way he expected, but said he’s so proud of what the team accomplished this season.
While I’m still feeling heartbroken about how the year ended, a bigger part of me is filled with pride,” Mitchell said. “Winning at Bama? First Texas team to make the playoff? Leaving the Big 12 with a trophy on the way out? That’s special, man. That’s really special. I’m blessed to have been part of it.” Mitchell is majoring in Physical Culture and Sports at UT Austin and made sure to let Texas fans know that this isn’t goodbye.
“I’m grateful to Coach Sark and all of the University of Texas community for making me feel like a Longhorn for life in such a short time,” wrote Mitchell. “And you aren’t quite done with me yet, ’cause I’m coming back to get that degree.” The complete Players’ Tribune article by Mitchell is available here.
Mitchell totals 93 receptions for 1,405 yards and 18 touchdowns as a college graduate. With Georgia, he won two national titles. He played in five College Football Playoff games and scored a touchdown in each of them. This season at Texas, he recorded a career-best season with 55 receptions for 845 yards and 11 touchdowns—all career highs. In Detroit, the NFL Draft for 2024 gets underway on April 25.
