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Bo Levi Mitchell
Bo Levi Mitchell
Bo Levi Mitchell
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Bo Levi Mitchell (born March 3, 1990) is an American professional football quarterback for the Hamilton Tiger-Cats of the Canadian Football League (CFL). He played college football at SMU and Eastern Washington, leading Eastern Washington to an FCS national championship victory in 2010. He also won the Walter Payton Award in 2011 as the best offensive player in the FCS.

Key Information

After going undrafted in the 2012 NFL draft, Mitchell signed with the CFL's Calgary Stampeders in 2012. He became Calgary's starting quarterback for the 2014 season, setting a number of club and league records including best record for a first-time starting quarterback in league history (12 wins, 1 loss). He won the 102nd Grey Cup in 2014, the CFL's Most Outstanding Player Award in 2016 and 2018, and the 106th Grey Cup in 2018. With his second Grey Cup win as starter, he became the first quarterback to start and win multiple Grey Cup games with the Stampeders organization. Mitchell was named the first-team quarterback on the CFL's 2010–2019 All-Decade Team.

After two injury-plagued seasons, the 2020 CFL season being cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and a benching, Mitchell signed with the Tiger-Cats as a free agent in 2023. He led the CFL in passing yards for the first time in 2024. Mitchell is ninth all-time in CFL history in starting quarterback wins, and the fastest quarterback to reach 100 wins. He is also ninth all-time in career passing yards.

Early life

[edit]

Bo Levi Mitchell was born on March 3, 1990, in Katy, Texas.[1] He played high school football at Katy High School, and took over as the starting quarterback after Andy Dalton graduated.[2] As a senior in 2007, Mitchell passed for 2,451 yards and 37 touchdowns with only four interceptions.[3] He led Katy to a 16–0 undefeated season and a state championship.[4][3] He was named to the Houston Chronicle's Houston Top 110. Mitchell graduated from Katy High in 2008.[3] He chose to attend Southern Methodist University over an offer from Hawaii.[3] Mitchell was also recruited by Eastern Washington.[3]

College career

[edit]

SMU (2008–2009)

[edit]

Mitchell played two seasons of college football for the SMU Mustangs from 2008 to 2009. As a true freshman in 2008, he threw for 2,865 yards and 24 touchdowns.[3] However, SMU finished the 2008 season with a 1–11 record while Mitchell's 23 interceptions were the most in the NCAA Division I Football Bowl Subdivision.[3][5]

Mitchell started the first seven games of the 2009 season before suffering a shoulder injury and being replaced by freshman Kyle Padron.[3][6] Mitchell recovered from his injury but Padron remained the starter.[7] Overall in 2009, Mitchell completed 56 percent of his passes for 1,725 yards and 12 touchdowns with 10 interceptions for a passer rating of 117.9.[3] SMU was 3–4 in Mitchell's seven starts before winning five of its last six to finish 8–5.[3] Mitchell started all 19 of the games he played at SMU, finishing with totals of 385 completions on 676 pass attempts (57.0 percent) for 4,590 yards (241.6 per game), 36 touchdowns, and 33 interceptions.[3] His passer rating was 121.8.[3]

Eastern Washington (2010–2011)

[edit]

As a junior in 2010, Mitchell transferred to Eastern Washington University, which had previously recruited Mitchell out of high school.[3] He helped lead the Eagles to victory in the FCS Championship Game, a 20–19 come-from-behind victory over the University of Delaware, the school's first national championship in football. He was named the game's Most Outstanding Player after throwing three touchdown passes in the final 16 minutes of the game and had 302 total passing yards in the game as well.[8] Mitchell earned honorable mention All-Big Sky Conference and Big Sky All-Academic honors for the 2010 season.[3]

In the 2011 season, Mitchell led the FCS in four statistical categories, including passing yards (4,009) and touchdown passes (33) on his way to breaking four school records. He broke EWU's record for single season passing yards with 4,009, which ranks 17th in FCS history and fifth in Big Sky Conference history. Mitchell won the Walter Payton Award as the best offensive player in the FCS.[8] He was also named the Big Sky Conference Offensive Player of the Year and first-team All-Big Sky.[9] Mitchell was named to seven All-America teams this season, earning first team honors on six of them. He was the top quarterback on teams selected by The Sports Network, American Football Coaches Association, Walter Camp, Associated Press, Phil Steele Publications and Beyond Sports College Network.[8] He majored in interdisciplinary liberal arts at Eastern Washington.[3]

Statistics

[edit]
Season Team Games Passing Rushing
GP GS Record Cmp Att Pct Yds Y/A TD Int Rtg Att Yds Avg TD
2008 SMU 12 12 1–11 236 410 57.6 2,865 7.0 24 23 124.4 51 −140 −2.7 1
2009 SMU 7 7 3–4 149 266 56.0 2,725 6.5 12 10 117.9 19 −64 −3.4 1
2010 EWU 15 14 12–2 300 505 59.4 3,496 6.9 37 15 135.8 58 47 0.8 0
2011 EWU 11 11 6–5 318 503 63.2 4,009 8.0 33 13 146.7 55 −5 −0.1 2
SMU totals[10] 19 19 4–15 385 676 57.0 4,590 6.8 36 33 121.8 70 −204 −2.9 2
EWU totals[11][12] 26 25 18–7 618 1,008 61.3 7,505 7.4 70 28 141.2 113 42 0.4 2
Career 45 44 22–22 1,003 1,684 60.0 12,095 7.2 106 61 133.4 183 −91 −0.5 4

Professional career

[edit]

Pre-draft

[edit]
Pre-draft measurables
Height Weight 40-yard dash 10-yard split 20-yard split 20-yard shuttle Three-cone drill Vertical jump Broad jump Bench press
6 ft 0 in
(1.83 m) 		198 lb
(90 kg) 		4.93 s 1.67 s 2.80 s 4.41 s 7.04 s 30.0 in
(0.76 m)		 8 ft 4 in
(2.54 m)		 10 reps
All values from Pro Day[13]

After his senior year, Mitchell was invited to play in the inaugural NFLPA Collegiate Bowl.[14] He was rated the 39th best quarterback in the 2012 NFL draft by NFLDraftScout.com.[15] He went undrafted. Mitchell was thought to be too small to play in the NFL.[16] He was also noted for wearing a glove on his throwing hand.[16] The Houston Texans was the only NFL team that offered Mitchell a workout.[16]

Calgary Stampeders (2012–2022)

[edit]

2012: Backup season and first Grey Cup appearance

[edit]

On April 30, 2012, the Calgary Stampeders of the Canadian Football League (CFL) signed Mitchell to a free agent contract.[17] Mitchell saw limited playing time in the 2012 CFL season, playing as a third-string backup behind Drew Tate and Kevin Glenn and ahead of Brad Sinopoli.[18]

He ran quarterback sneaks in the short-yardage offense, and scored his first CFL rushing touchdown in week 3 against the Montreal Alouettes.[19][20] Mitchell was also the holder on field goal and convert attempts.[20] It was in this role that he registered his first CFL touchdown pass.[21] In Calgary's eleventh game of the season against the Winnipeg Blue Bombers, Calgary was lining up for a field goal attempt, but faked it when Mitchell flipped the ball to Rob Cote who ran up the middle of the field for a 26-yard touchdown.[21]

In the final game of the regular season against the Edmonton Eskimos, Mitchell took over for the final drive and moved the offense downfield, allowing Rene Paredes the opportunity to kick the game-winning field goal as Calgary won 30–27.[22] In the West Semi-Final against the Saskatchewan Roughriders, Mitchell scored two one-yard rushing touchdows as the Stampeders won 36–30.[23] In the third quarter of the West Final vs BC, Mitchell faked a quarterback sneak on a third down gamble and threw a long pass to Maurice Price to set Calgary up at the Lions' one-yard line.[24] On first and goal, Mitchell tried to run into the end zone but had two of his ribs broken by Solomon Elimimian.[24] On third and goal, Mitchell stretched his hands out into the end zone and scored a rushing touchdown.[24] The Stampeders later won the game 34–29.[25] In the 100th Grey Cup, with the contest out of reach, Mitchell entered the game and engineered a touchdown drive and a 2-point convert, both caught by Price.[26]

2013: Part-time starter

[edit]

He began the 2013 CFL season as the third-string quarterback again, and continued being the holder on field goal and convert attempts, and running quarterback sneaks in the short-yardage offense.[27] On July 20, 2013, Mitchell came on in the third-quarter after Kevin Glenn left with an injury (Drew Tate was already injured) and completed seven of 13 passes for 49 yards and two touchdowns to help the Stampeders overcome a 24-point deficit to defeat the Alouettes 38–27.[28]

In his first CFL start, on July 26, 2013, in relief of the injured Tate and Glenn, Mitchell completed 29 of 33 passes for 376 yards and three touchdowns with no interceptions in a 37–24 win over the Blue Bombers.[29] The Calgary Herald called it a "debut for the ages".[29] Mitchell won the Gibson's Finest Offensive Player of the Week for this performance.[30] He started two more games for the Stampeders in 2013 (both wins as well) and dressed in all 18 games, finishing the season completing 69.6% of his passes for 1,156 yards, 10 touchdowns and three interceptions: a quarterback rating of 111.2.[31][1] Mitchell was protected by the Stampeders in the 2013 CFL expansion draft.[32] The expansion Ottawa Redblacks selected Stampeders quarterback Kevin Glenn in the first round of the draft.[33]

2014: First Grey Cup win and CFL MOP

[edit]
Mitchell with the Calgary Stampeders in 2014

On January 14, 2014, Mitchell signed a contract extension with the Stampeders, which was set to keep him in Calgary through 2016.[34] On June 23, head coach John Hufnagel named Mitchell the starting quarterback and Drew Tate the backup for Calgary's Week 1 game against the Montreal Alouettes.[35] On opening day, Mitchell gave the Stampeders their first win of the season 29–8 after throwing for 313 yards, two touchdowns, and no interceptions.[36] On Thursday, July 24, Mitchell tied Jeff Garcia's CFL record for consecutive career winning starts, going 7–0, with a 26–22 victory over the Edmonton Eskimos.[37] On September 1, the Stampeders beat the Eskimos again to improve to 9–1, with Mitchell becoming the first CFL quarterback to begin his career with a 12–1 starting record.[38] He passed Jackie Parker and Jim Van Pelt, who both started 11–2.[38] On September 13 against the Toronto Argonauts, Mitchell suffered a sprained ankle and a stretched knee ligament.[39] Mitchell went 12–2 overall as Calgary's starting quarterback in 2014, which helped the team finish in first place in the CFL West Division with a 15–3 record and earn a first round playoff bye.[40][41] On November 23, 2014, in his first playoff start, Mitchell led the Stampeders to a victory in the Western Final over division rival Edmonton, earning them a berth in the 102nd Grey Cup.[42] Mitchell and the Stampeders went on to defeat the Hamilton Tiger-Cats 20–16 in the Grey Cup.[43] Mitchell was named Grey Cup MVP after completing 25 of 34 passes for 334 yards and one interception.[43] He also completed ten straight passes, which was the third most in Grey Cup history.[43]

2015

[edit]

On March 3, 2015, his 25th birthday, Mitchell signed an extension with the Stampeders to keep him in Calgary through the 2018 season.[44]

In 2015, Mitchell's second full season as the Stampeders starting quarterback, he posted career highs in many passing categories, including completions (364), attempts (555), yards (4,551), and touchdowns (26).[45][1] He went 13–4 as the team's starting quarterback, resting for the final regular season game because Calgary's position in the standings would remain unchanged; Calgary finished second place in the West Division behind the Edmonton Eskimos, who beat them via a tiebreaker.[46] For his efforts, he was named a CFL West All-Star and the winner of the Jeff Nicklin Memorial Trophy, awarded to the CFL West Division's most outstanding player.[47][48] After knocking off the BC Lions in the West Semi-Final, the Stampeders were eliminated by the Eskimos who went on to win the 103rd Grey Cup.[49]

2016: Third Grey Cup appearance

[edit]

Mitchell continued to improve in the 2016 season, setting career highs in passing attempts (606), completions (412), yards (5,385) touchdowns (32), and 300 yard games (11).[50] He started the first 17 games in the regular season, leading the Stampeders to first place in the West Division with a 15–1–1 record, including a 16-game unbeaten streak and 14-game winning streak, which set a CFL record for most consecutive wins by a starting quarterback.[51] He rested for the final game of the season because Calgary had already clinched first place in the West.[52][53] Mitchell and the Stampeders dismantled the BC Lions in the West Division Final, winning 42–15 and advancing to the 104th Grey Cup in the process.[54] He was once again the winner of the Jeff Nicklin Memorial Trophy, and prior to the Grey Cup game, was named the CFL's Most Outstanding Player for the first time.[55]

With 40 seconds left in the Grey Cup and Calgary down three points at Ottawa's two-yard line, head coach John Hufnagel inserted short-yardage quarterback Andrew Buckley on second down for a surprise pass play.[56][57] However, the play failed and the Stampeders lost a yard.[56] Rene Paredes then kicked a field goal to send the game to overtime.[57] Ottawa clinched the game in overtime 39–33 when Mitchell threw an incompletion on third down.[58] Mitchell finished the game completing 28 of 38 passes for 391 yards, two touchdowns, and three interceptions.[58] The 8–9–1 Redblacks became the first team to win the Grey Cup despite having seven less wins than the other team (15–2–1 Calgary).[57]

2017: Fourth Grey Cup appearance

[edit]

In 2017, Mitchell once again started the first 17 regular season games at quarterback for Calgary, and rested in the final regular season game because Calgary had already clinched first place in the West.[59] Mitchell's record as the starting quarterback was 13–3–1.[60] In the West Division Final, Calgary defeated Edmonton to advance to the 105th Grey Cup against the Toronto Argonauts.[61] With 20 seconds left in the game and Calgary down three points at Toronto's 25-yard line, Mitchell took an aggressive shot into the end zone but was intercepted.[62][63] Toronto won 27–24.[62]

2018: Second Grey Cup win and second CFL MOP

[edit]

In 2018, Mitchell led the Stampeders to first place in the West Division for the third consecutive year.[64] He started all 18 regular season games, including the final game in BC because Calgary needed to win the game to clinch first place.[64][65] Calgary posted a 13–5 record.[64] That year, Mitchell became the fastest quarterback to 60 wins in CFL history, only taking 72 starts to do so, surpassing Ken Ploen who had previously held the record with 60 wins, with 78 starts.[66] Mitchell won the Jeff Nicklin Memorial Trophy for the third time in his career, and was named the CFL's Most Outstanding Player for the second time.[67] Calgary defeated Winnipeg in the West Division Final, which allowed Calgary to play in their third consecutive Grey Cup.[68] They went on to win the 106th Grey Cup 27–16 over the Ottawa Redblacks.[69] Mitchell was named the Grey Cup MVP for the second time in his career after completing 24 of 36 passes for 253 yards, two touchdowns, and two interceptions.[70]

After the 2018 Grey Cup, Mitchell had risen to the top four in several all-time Grey Cup career passing categories: fourth in attempts (165), third in completions (116), and third in yards (1,431).[71] Shortly after winning the Grey Cup, Mitchell announced that he would be pursuing NFL opportunities before signing another CFL contract.[72]

Mitchell in 2019

NFL and CFL free agency

[edit]

Mitchell attended his first NFL workout on December 5, 2018, with the Minnesota Vikings,[73] with more than five teams inviting him to a workout and ten inquiring about him in the days and weeks subsequent to his first NFL workout.[74] Mitchell attracted some attention at his Vikings interview by saying that he was going to take Kirk Cousins' job.[75] Mitchell said the Vikings staffer then told him that there would be no quarterback competition and that they only wanted a backup.[75] Mitchell also worked out for the Denver Broncos,[76] Jacksonville Jaguars,[77] Buffalo Bills,[78] New York Giants and Chicago Bears.[79] During the 2019 CFL free agency, Mitchell officially became a free agent and had not yet been signed by an NFL team with CFL teams beginning to offer contracts such as the Toronto Argonauts, the Edmonton Eskimos and the Saskatchewan Roughriders with the minimum contract being offered to Mitchell being rumored around $750,000 per season.[80]

2019: Injury problems

[edit]

On February 12, 2019, Mitchell re-signed with the Stampeders, in a four-year deal worth $2.8 million.[81] Mitchell suffered a pectoral injury in Week 3 and was subsequently placed on the six-game injured reserve list.[82] By mid-August Mitchell was appearing to be close to a return, however, he was placed back on the 6-game injured reserve list on August 16 after suffering a minor setback.[83] He was taken off the 6-game injured reserve list 13 days later, on August 29, 2019, and made his return to the starting lineup that weekend.[84][85] In total he missed seven games during the 2019 season.[86] Mitchell led the team to a 7–2 record over the final half of the season.[87] However, in the West Semi-Final against the Blue Bombers, he completed only 12 passes for 116 yards and a touchdown as Calgary lost 35–14.[87]

2020: Cancelled season due to COVID-19

[edit]

Mitchell did not play in 2020 because the CFL season was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.[88] In November 2020, he was named the first-team quarterback on the CFL's 2010–2019 All-Decade Team.[89]

2021: Continued injury problems

[edit]

Following Calgary's second game of the 2021 season, the Stampeders placed Mitchell on the six-game injured reserve with a broken fibula.[90] Mitchell returned in Week 6 having missed only three games.[91][86] Mitchell played the rest of the season despite injuring his shoulder in Week 9 against the Roughriders.[91] The Stampeders finished 8–6 during the abbreviated 2014 season, and were eliminated by the Roughriders in overtime in the first round of the playoffs.[92] This was the first season in which Mitchell threw more interceptions (13) than touchdowns (10).[1]

2022: Benching

[edit]
Mitchell in 2022

After having missed time with injuries during the 2019 and 2021 seasons in April 2022 Mitchell stated that "retirement might be the next step" if he is unable to maintain his health.[93] He restructured his contract for the 2022 season.[94] After starting the first half of the season, Mitchell was benched in Week 11 for throwing two interceptions and completing only nine passes on 16 attempts against the Toronto Argonauts.[95] He was replaced by backup second-year quarterback Jake Maier.[96] Maier continued to be the team's starting quarterback late into the season, and agreed to a contract extension, leaving Mitchell's future in Calgary in doubt.[97] Mitchell came off the bench in the playoffs in relief of Maier, however, in the nine minutes that he played he was unable to lead the team to victory (although surpassing Meier's passing yardage in the game) ending the Stampeders season.[98] Following the defeat, Mitchell conceded that "the writing is on the wall" and he was looking forward to a new opportunity elsewhere when his contract expired in February 2023.[99]

Upon completion of his career in Calgary, Mitchell ranked number 1 in Stampeder history in the following regular season career categories:

  • pass yards (32,541)[100]
  • pass attempts (3,866)[100]
  • pass completions (2,496)[100]
  • victories as a starting quarterback (90)[101]

He finished number 2 in career pass touchdowns (188).[100]

His 16 career playoff touchdown passes are a Stampeder record.[102]

He ranked number 1 in Stampeder history in the following Grey Cup career categories:

  • pass yards (1,431)[103]
  • pass attempts (165)[103]
  • pass completions (116)[103]
  • pass touchdowns (7)[103]
  • victories as a starting quarterback (2)[104]

His Grey Cup pass yards in 2014 (334), 2016 (391), and 2017 (373) are three of the top five single game pass yards totals in Stampeder history.[103]

Hamilton Tiger-Cats (2023–present)

[edit]
Mitchell with the Tiger-Cats in 2023

2023

[edit]

On November 14, 2022, the Hamilton Tiger-Cats acquired the rights to Mitchell in exchange for two drafts picks and future considerations, with his contract set to expire in February 2023.[105] A couple days later Mitchell went on record stating that he still intended to enter free agency.[106] Nonetheless, on January 24, 2023, Mitchell signed a three-year contract worth over $500,000 CAD annually with the Tiger-Cats.[107] He suffered a lower-body injury in the second half of the team's Week 2 loss to rival Toronto Argonauts.[108] A few days later it was announced that Mitchell would miss the team's home-opener against the Montreal Alouettes in Week 3.[109] On June 23, 2023, Hamilton placed Mitchell on the six-game injured reserve list with an adductor injury.[110] He returned in Week 8 in the win against the Ottawa Redblacks, but suffered a fracture in his lower right leg on the last play of the game and returned to the six-game injured list.[111] He returned to play and start the last three games of the regular season, but split playing time with Matthew Shiltz or Taylor Powell in each game.[112] In total, he played and started in six regular season games where he completed 78 out of 132 pass attempts for 1,031 yards with six touchdowns and ten interceptions.[113][1] The 8–10 Tiger-Cats went on the road into Molson Stadium for the East Semi-final against the Montreal Alouettes.[114] Hamilton head coach Orlando Steinauer went with Shiltz as the starting quarterback for the playoff game, Mitchell only being put into the game late in the fourth quarter (Mitchell completing one pass in four attempts along with one interception in relief of Shiltz).[115] The Alouettes won 27–12, and later went on to win the Grey Cup.[116]

2024: CFL passing yards leader

[edit]

In December 2023, Scott Milanovich, who had been an offensive coach on Hamilton's staff in 2023, became the team's head coach, replacing Steinauer.[117] The Tiger-Cats announced in early January 2024 that Mitchell had reworked his contract; he would remain under contract for the 2024 and 2025 seasons.[118] The same month, Milanovich said that he expected Mitchell to be the starting quarterback for the 2024 season.[119] Going into the season, Mitchell underwent a new fitness and nutrition regime to improve his performance.[120] On the first day of rookie camp, he was spotted with a walking boot on his right leg, and was dealing with “swelling”.[121] By May 13, he was participating at training camp without a walking boot on his leg.[122]

In the team's ninth game, against Montreal, Mitchell threw a first quarter interception and was benched by Milanovich.[123] Taylor Powell replaced Mitchell and threw for 319 yards and 2 touchdowns in relief, which earned him the start the following week against Edmonton.[123] In the first quarter of the Edmonton game, Powell suffered a head injury, and was ultimately taken to hospital.[124] Mitchell came on in relief,[124] and started all of Hamilton's remaining games.[1]

Mitchell in the pocket (2024)

Hamilton finished 7–11 and missed the playoffs.[125] Despite this and Mitchell's early-season struggles, he had one of the best statistical seasons in his career. He set single season career highs in pass completions (420), attempts (614), and yards (5,451).[1] He led the CFL in these categories, as well as touchdown passes (32).[126] However, he also led the league in interceptions (18).[127] His passing yards placed him 1,115 yards ahead of the second place quarterback in the CFL, Zach Collaros, and set a new single-season Tiger-Cat record.[128][129] Mitchell also set Hamilton's single-season record for completions.[129] He threw five touchdowns in a single game twice, and had ten 300-yard passing games, two of which surpassed 400 yards.[130] Mitchell was Hamilton's unanimous selection for Most Outstanding Player.[131]

Mitchell received the following accolades for his season accomplishments: Terry Evanshen Trophy winner as Most Outstanding Player in the East Division,[132] and Divisional All-CFL quarterback for the East Division.[133]

Upon completion of the season, Mitchell ranked 12th all-time in CFL regular season history in the following passing categories: yards (39,023), touchdowns (226); 9th in completions (2,994); 13th in attempts (4,612); tied for 10th in regular season victories for a starting quarterback (99).[134]

2025

[edit]

In the team's third game of the 2025 season, against the Montreal Alouettes, Mitchell earned his 100th win as a CFL starting quarterback.[135] He became the fastest quarterback to do so, accomplishing the feat in 144 starts, which bettered Ron Lancaster's 100 wins in 149 starts.[135] Mitchell's 100th win also moved him into a tie for ninth on the CFL all-time list with Matt Dunigan.[135] On July 4, 2025, against the Toronto Argonauts, he surpassed 40,000 career passing yards in the team's 51–38 win, becoming the 11th player in league history to accomplish the feat.[136] In the same game, he also threw five touchdowns for the third time in his career.[136] On August 2, 2025, Mitchell passed Doug Flutie for ninth all-time in career passing yards.[137]

CFL statistics

[edit]

Regular season

[edit]
Mitchell in 2025
Year Team Games Passing Rushing
GD GS Record Cmp Att Pct Yds TD Int QBR Att Yds Y/A Lng TD Fum
2012 CGY 18 0 — 12 21 57.1 168 2 2 75.1 34 67 2.0 10 5 2
2013 CGY 18 3 3–0 94 135 69.6 1,156 10 3 111.2 35 151 4.3 26 2 4
2014 CGY 17 14 12–2 264 417 63.3 3,389 22 8 98.3 35 232 6.6 20 4 4
2015 CGY 18 17 13–4 364 555 65.6 4,551 26 13 96.8 19 88 4.6 15 3 2
2016 CGY 18 17 15–1–1 411 606 67.8 5,377 32 8 107.7 14 60 4.4 20 0 4
2017 CGY 18 17 13–3–1 349 546 63.9 4,700 23 11 96.9 3 17 5.7 9 0 1
2018 CGY 18 18 13–5 356 585 60.9 5,119 35 14 99.6 16 108 6.8 21 0 5
2019 CGY 11 11 8–3 274 415 66.0 3,464 19 11 96.1 2 4 2.0 4 0 2
2020 CGY Season cancelled Season cancelled
2021 CGY 11 11 7–4 211 325 64.9 2,594 10 13 83.0 4 19 4.8 11 0 0
2022 CGY 18 9 6–3 160 261 61.3 2,010 9 6 87.2 7 26 3.7 11 0 0
2023 HAM 6 6 2–4 78 132 59.1 1,031 6 10 67.5 5 14 2.8 6 0 1
2024 HAM 18 17 7–10 420 614 68.4 5,451 32 18 101.2 16 124 7.8 16 0 3
2025 HAM 18 18 11–7 428 626 68.4 5,296 36 11 106.2 21 124 5.9 14 1 1
CGY totals 165 117 90–25–2 2,496 3,866 64.6 32,541 188 89 97.6 169 772 4.6 26 14 24
CFL totals 207 158 110–46–2 3,422 5,238 65.3 44,319 262 128 98.3 211 1,034 4.9 26 14 29

Source:[138]

Playoffs

[edit]
Game Team GP GS ATT COMP YD TD INT RUSH YD TD
2012 West Semi-Final CGY 1 0 0 – – – – 3 6 2
2012 West Final CGY 1 0 2 1 42 0 0 5 7 1
2013 West Final CGY 1 0 3 1 6 0 0 1 5 0
2014 West Final CGY 1 1 22 14 336 4 0 2 5 1
2015 West Semi-Final CGY 1 1 24 15 199 2 0 1 2 0
2015 West Final CGY 1 1 38 25 381 2 1 2 7 0
2016 West Final CGY 1 1 28 21 365 3 1 1 2 0
2017 West Final CGY 1 1 32 20 228 1 0 0 – –
2018 West Final CGY 1 1 31 17 214 3 0 0 – –
2019 West Semi-Final CGY 1 1 28 12 116 1 3 0 – –
2021 West Semi-Final CGY 1 1 36 26 285 0 2 1 2 0
2022 West Semi-Final CGY 1 0 11 8 147 0 0 0 – –
2023 East Semi-Final HAM 1 0 4 1 6 0 1 1 5 0
Totals 13 8 259 161 2,325 16 8 17 41 4

Source:[139]

Grey Cup

[edit]
Year Team GP GS ATT COMP YD TD INT RUSH YD TD
2012 CGY 1 0 9 6 80 1 0 0 – –
2014 CGY 1 1 34 25 334 0 1 4 19 0
2016 CGY 1 1 41 28 391 2 3 1 0 0
2017 CGY 1 1 45 33 373 2 1 0 – –
2018 CGY 1 1 36 24 253 2 2 1 7 0
Totals 5 4 165 116 1,431 7 7 6 26 0

Source:[140]

Personal life

[edit]

Mitchell's brother, Cory Mitchell, also played football for the Eastern Washington Eagles from 2010 to 2014.[3][141] Bo Levi Mitchell won the Stampeders' Herm Harrison Memorial Award for both the 2015 and 2016 seasons in recognition of his community service work.[142]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Bo Levi Mitchell

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Bo Levi Mitchell (born March 3, 1990) is an American professional football for the of the Canadian Football League (CFL). Standing at 6 feet 1 inch and weighing 210 pounds, he played at before signing with the as an undrafted free agent in 2012. Over his 14-season CFL career as of 2025, Mitchell has established himself as one of the league's most accomplished passers, amassing 44,319 passing yards and 262 touchdowns in 207 games, while earning two championships, two awards, and two Most Outstanding Player honors. Mitchell began his CFL tenure as a backup with the Stampeders, appearing in 12 games across his first two seasons before taking over as the full-time starter in 2014. That year, he led Calgary to a 15–3 regular-season record and a dominant 43–18 Grey Cup victory over the Hamilton Tiger-Cats, earning game MVP honors with 358 passing yards and two touchdowns. In 2016, Mitchell captured his first league Most Outstanding Player award after throwing for a league-high 5,110 yards and 38 touchdowns, guiding the Stampeders to a 15–2–1 record. He repeated as MOP in 2018, leading the CFL with 35 touchdown passes and 5,000 yards for the second time, and capping the season with another Grey Cup MVP performance in a 27–16 win over the Winnipeg Blue Bombers, where he threw for 253 yards and two scores despite two interceptions. During his nine seasons in Calgary (2012–2022), Mitchell compiled an 84–23 regular-season record as a starter, the highest winning percentage (.785) for any quarterback with at least 50 starts in CFL history at the time of his departure. Following the 2022 season, Mitchell was traded to the , where he has since served as the team's primary starter. In his first year with Hamilton in 2023, he threw for 3,746 yards and 15 touchdowns amid a rebuilding phase, helping the team reach the . Mitchell rebounded strongly in , leading the CFL with 5,451 passing yards—the second-highest single-season total of his career—and 32 touchdowns, while earning East Division All-Star honors and a finalist nod for league Most Outstanding Player. Entering the 2025 season at age 35, he continued his elite production, throwing for a league-leading 5,296 yards and a career-high 36 touchdowns, once again becoming a finalist for Most Outstanding Player and solidifying his place among the CFL's all-time great quarterbacks with career totals exceeding 40,000 yards and 250 touchdowns.

Early life

Upbringing and family

Bo Levi Mitchell was born on March 3, 1990, in , to parents Dwight "Mitch" Mitchell and Miller. Mitchell grew up in a competitive household with three brothers—two older brothers, Patrick and , and younger brother Scooter—who fostered an environment that emphasized sports, resilience, and mutual pushing to improve. The brothers, all involved in athletics, toughened each other up through constant competition, with particularly influencing Mitchell's shift from baseball—his father's preferred sport—to football. This dynamic, combined with parental support, instilled discipline and a strong from an early age. Katy, a suburb of with a population of about 12,000 during the early , immersed him in a football-obsessed culture reminiscent of the "Friday Night Lights" tradition, where high school games drew massive community attention and the local stadium was just a short walk from his home. This environment sparked his passion for the sport, leading to early participation in structured youth football leagues that featured professional-style coaching, video analysis, and off-season training regimens. Supported by his family and the tight-knit community, Mitchell honed his skills in these leagues, developing leadership qualities and a "cocky" confidence that his father later described as a hallmark of his youth. By , he was on the cusp of joining an elite "A Team" but learned valuable lessons in accountability after being benched for poor grades. This foundation prepared him for the transition to high school athletics.

High school career

Bo Levi Mitchell attended Katy High School in , from 2004 to 2008. As a freshman and sophomore, he served as the backup behind future NFL standout on a Tigers team known for its competitive program in Texas's largest classification. In his junior and senior years, Mitchell saw increased playing time, contributing to playoff runs that built on Katy's tradition of postseason success, including district championships and advancing through the Texas 5A playoffs. His senior season in marked a breakout, as he became the full-time starter and led the Tigers to an undefeated 15-0 record, securing the Texas 5A Division II state championship with a 28-7 victory over in the title game. That year, Mitchell passed for 2,451 yards and 37 touchdowns with just four interceptions, performances that highlighted his accuracy and decision-making in high-pressure games. These efforts earned him recognition as one of Texas's top high school quarterbacks, including regional rankings and all-district honors. Mitchell's high school success drew interest from college programs, where he was rated a two-star recruit by and , reflecting his potential as a pro-style pocket passer. He received scholarship offers and committed to (SMU), signing in 2008 as part of a class that valued his local ties and arm strength. Throughout his time at Katy, the team maintained strong records, often finishing above .500 and reaching the annually, though Mitchell's role grew amid the pressure of a championship-caliber program. Early challenges included off-field discipline issues that taught him accountability. Under Gary , Mitchell honed his leadership, evolving from a talented but raw player into a respected who motivated teammates through example in the team's rigorous, no-nonsense system.

College career

Southern Methodist University

Bo Levi Mitchell enrolled at in 2008 as a true freshman quarterback, having been recruited from Katy High School in Texas where he led his team to a state championship. Under head coach , who implemented a high-octane, pass-oriented offense inspired by his previous success at , Mitchell quickly earned the starting role. In his debut against , he threw for three touchdowns, and he went on to start all 12 games that season, completing 236 of 410 passes for 2,865 yards, 24 touchdowns, and a league-high 23 interceptions. The Mustangs struggled in , finishing 1–11 overall and 0–8 in conference play, with no bowl appearance, as Mitchell's turnovers contributed to the team's defensive challenges. As a in 2009, Mitchell started the first seven games, passing for 1,725 yards, 12 touchdowns, and 10 interceptions while helping SMU achieve a 3–4 start. A shoulder injury sidelined him midseason, leading to his replacement by freshman Kyle Padron, and he did not play in the team's remaining regular-season games or the , where SMU finished 8–5 overall and 6–2 in after defeating . Over his two seasons at SMU, Mitchell started 19 games and accumulated 4,590 passing yards with 36 touchdowns and 33 interceptions, adapting to Jones's run-and-shoot system that emphasized quick decisions and deep throws. Following the 2009 season, Mitchell transferred from SMU after losing his starting position due to the injury, seeking greater playing time elsewhere.

Eastern Washington University

After transferring from , Bo Levi Mitchell joined in 2010 as a junior under Beau Baldwin. He quickly became the starter, leading the Eagles to a 13–2 record and the program's first Subdivision (FCS) national title that season. Mitchell's performance earned the team a No. 1 national ranking at the end of the regular season and propelled them through the playoffs, culminating in a 20–19 victory over in the championship game, where he threw for 302 yards and three touchdowns. Over his two seasons at , Mitchell started all 26 games, passing for 7,505 yards, 70 , and 28 interceptions while leading the in several key categories. In 2010, he set a school record with 37 passes and 3,496 yards, adding 15 interceptions, as the Eagles achieved one of the most dominant offensive seasons in program history. The following year, as a senior, Mitchell improved his efficiency, completing 318 of 503 passes for 4,009 yards, 33 , and 13 interceptions, leading the FCS in passing yards and total offense at 364 yards per game. Despite the team's 6–5 finish in 2011, his contributions helped maintain 's status as a contender and drew significant professional scouting interest from teams. Mitchell's senior campaign was particularly standout, earning him the Offensive Player of the Year award and the as the top offensive player in the FCS. He also received first-team honors, recognizing his role in elevating the Eagles' under Baldwin's guidance. These accolades solidified his reputation as a Division I-AA star and paved the way for his professional career, as scouts noted his arm strength, accuracy, and leadership in high-stakes games.

College statistics

Bo Levi Mitchell's college career spanned four seasons from 2008 to 2011, split between the FBS-level (SMU) in and the FCS-level () in the . His statistical output reflected the differences in competition levels, with more conservative numbers at the higher-division SMU due to stronger defenses and team struggles, contrasted by prolific performances at EWU where he thrived in a pass-oriented offense. Aggregated across 47 games, Mitchell amassed 12,095 passing yards, 106 passing touchdowns, and 61 interceptions, achieving an average of approximately 130.

Passing Statistics

The following table summarizes Mitchell's year-by-year passing statistics:
YearSchoolGamesCompletionsAttemptsCompletion %YardsTDsINTsPasser Rating
2008SMU1223641057.62,8652423124.4
2009SMU914926656.01,7251210117.9
2010EWU1530050559.43,4963715135.8
2011EWU1131850363.24,0093313146.7
Career-471,0031,68459.612,09510661130.0
These figures highlight Mitchell's growth, particularly at EWU, where he led the FCS in passing yards and touchdowns in 2011.

Rushing and Total Offense Statistics

Mitchell's rushing contributions were minimal, often negative at SMU due to sacks and designed runs behind a struggling line, but slightly positive at EWU. The table below details available rushing data, with total offense calculated as passing yards plus rushing yards:
YearSchoolRushing Att.Rushing Yds.Rushing TDsTotal Offense Yds.
2008SMU51-14012,725
2009SMU19-6411,661
2010EWU584703,543
2011EWU4210924,118
Career--48412,047
Rushing stats underscore his pocket-passer role, with total offense largely driven by passing efficiency. Mitchell's transition from FBS to FCS allowed greater statistical freedom, as evidenced by his EWU totals exceeding SMU's combined output despite fewer high-caliber opponents; this context is key to interpreting his career marks, where FCS play inflated volume stats compared to FBS constraints.

Professional career

Calgary Stampeders (2012–2022)

Mitchell signed with the as an undrafted free agent on April 30, 2012, following the NFL Draft. During his rookie season, he served primarily as the backup behind veteran , appearing in limited action including relief appearances amid injuries to the starters. Mitchell earned the starting role midway through the 2014 season on , after Glenn's injury, marking his breakthrough as ' primary quarterback. He led to a 15-3 regular-season record and guided the team to victory in the on November 30, defeating the 20-16 and earning Grey Cup MVP honors. His peak performance came during the 2015–2018 stretch, where he threw for over 5,000 yards in multiple seasons, including 5,385 in 2016 and 5,124 in 2018, while securing the CFL's Most Outstanding Player award in 2016 and 2018. This era culminated in back-to-back appearances and a second championship win in 2018 against the . From 2019 onward, Mitchell faced significant challenges, including injuries that limited his play; he underwent shoulder surgery in late 2019 for a pectoral issue from the prior season and missed time in 2020 due to recovery. A broken in 2021 sidelined him for multiple games, contributing to inconsistent team results. In 2022, he was benched in favor of late in the season amid a 12-6 regular-season finish, reflecting declining performance and internal shifts. Over his decade with , Mitchell established himself as a franchise , setting records for career passing yards (32,541) and becoming the all-time leader in August 2022. He led the team to multiple West Division titles, including in 2016 and 2018, fostering a culture of sustained contention. His tenure ended when the traded his rights to the on November 14, 2022, paving the way for his departure after the 2022 season.

Hamilton Tiger-Cats (2023–present)

In January 2023, the completed a trade for Mitchell's rights, originally negotiated in November 2022 with the , in exchange for a third-round pick in the 2023 CFL Draft, a fifth-round pick in 2024, and Calgary's first-round pick (fifth overall) in 2023. Mitchell signed a three-year with Hamilton on January 24, 2023, valued at up to $1.62 million CAD over its duration. His debut season was marred by adaptation challenges and a lower-body injury sustained in June 2023, limiting him to six appearances where he threw for 1,031 yards and six touchdowns. Despite starting several games, Mitchell was benched late in the season and for the East Semi-Final playoff loss to the Montreal Alouettes, amid the Tiger-Cats' 8-10 regular-season record and third-place East Division finish. Mitchell rebounded in 2024 as the primary starter following a January contract restructure that kept him under team control through 2025, though he took a pay cut to remain with Hamilton. He led the CFL in passing yards for the first time in his career, showcasing improved consistency despite team inconsistencies, including a mid-season benching in favor of Taylor Powell after a 1-5 start. The Tiger-Cats mounted a late push but finished 7-11, missing the playoffs for the first time since 2022 and placing fourth in the East Division. The 2025 season marked Mitchell's resurgence, as he threw for a career-high 5,296 yards and 36 touchdowns, earning his second consecutive CFL passing yards title ahead of quarterback Nathan Rourke's 5,290 yards. Under his leadership, Hamilton compiled an 11-7 record, clinching first place in the East Division and a first-round bye with a 35-15 victory over the in Week 18. However, the Tiger-Cats fell 19-16 in the Eastern Final on November 8, 2025, to the Montreal Alouettes on a game-ending 45-yard by Maltos Diaz. In January 2025, Mitchell agreed to another contract rework, securing $323,800 in hard money including a $153,000 to stay for the season. As a presence, Mitchell has contributed to Hamilton's team culture by mentoring younger players, particularly receivers, and emphasizing resilience after early setbacks, helping instill a winning mentality that propelled the 2025 turnaround. He has guided emerging talents like through high-pressure situations, fostering offensive cohesion amid roster youth.

Professional statistics

Regular season

Bo Levi Mitchell began his CFL regular season career as a backup with the in 2012, gradually ascending to a starting role by 2014 and becoming one of the league's most prolific passers over the subsequent decade. Across 13 seasons with (2012–2022) and Hamilton (2023–2025), he appeared in 207 games, demonstrating durability except in injury-limited years, while contributing both through the air and on the ground early in his career. The following table summarizes Mitchell's regular season passing and rushing statistics year by year:
YearTeamGPCompAttPctYdsTDINTRush YdsRush TD
2012CGY18122157.116822675
2013CGY189413569.61,1561031512
2014CGY1726441763.33,3892282324
2015CGY1836455565.64,5512613882
2016CGY1841260668.05,385328600
2017CGY1834954663.94,7002311170
2018CGY1835658560.95,12435141080
2019CGY1127441566.03,464191140
2021CGY1121132564.92,5941013190
2022CGY1816026161.32,01096260
2023HAM67813259.11,031610140
2024HAM1842061468.45,45132181240
2025HAM1842862668.45,29636111241
Source: Compiled from official CFL player statistics. Mitchell's career regular season totals stand at 3,422 completions on 5,238 attempts for 44,319 yards, 262 touchdowns, and 128 interceptions, placing him among the CFL's all-time leaders in passing production. He also added 1,034 rushing yards and 14 rushing touchdowns, with the majority of his ground contributions occurring in his first three seasons. Notably, he recorded four 5,000-yard passing seasons (2016, 2018, 2024, and 2025), highlighting his ability to sustain high-volume output. Post-2014, Mitchell showed marked efficiency gains, with his completion percentage climbing to 65% or higher in most full seasons thereafter, reflecting refined mechanics and better protection. His performance was hampered by injuries in 2019 (11 games, leg), 2021 (11 games, collarbone), and 2023 (6 games, multiple ailments), as well as the 2020 season cancellation due to COVID-19, during which he recorded no games played. In 2025, Mitchell led the CFL in passing yards (5,296) and touchdowns (36), capping a resurgent campaign with Hamilton.

Playoffs and Grey Cups

Mitchell's playoff career in the CFL has been characterized by consistent excellence in high-pressure situations, particularly during his tenure with the , where he started in four s from 2014 to 2018, achieving a 2-2 record in those championship games. His ability to orchestrate comebacks and deliver in clutch moments evolved from his early appearances as a backup in 2012 to his role as a leader, culminating in victories in 2014 and 2018. With the , his 2025 postseason marked his first playoff start since 2022, highlighting his enduring impact despite the team's Eastern Final defeat. In the on November 30, 2014, Mitchell guided to a 20-16 victory over the at in . Completing 25 of 34 passes for 334 yards without a or , he managed the game efficiently, setting up key scores through the run game and field positions that allowed kicker Paredes to secure the win. Mitchell was named the for his poised performance in his first championship start. The returned to the in 2016 but suffered a heartbreaking 39-33 overtime loss to the at in . Mitchell's performance was a standout despite the defeat, as he rallied the team from deficits and demonstrated resilience in a game that went down to the final plays, underscoring his growth as a clutch performer even in adversity. Mitchell and faced another setback in 2017, losing 27-24 to the at in during the . He completed 33 of 45 passes for 373 yards with two touchdowns and one , driving several scoring drives but unable to overcome a late that sealed the outcome. The loss motivated Mitchell for the following season, where he refined his decision-making under pressure. Redemption came in the on November 25, 2018, when Mitchell led to a 27-16 triumph over the at in . He went 24 of 36 for 253 yards and two to Lemar Durant and Don Jackson, though he threw two interceptions; a pivotal 97-yard punt return complemented his efforts to clinch the second championship of his career. Mitchell earned his second MVP award for the victory. After joining the , Mitchell did not start in the 2023 playoffs but returned to postseason action in 2025, leading the East Division champions to the Eastern Final against the Montreal Alouettes on November 8 at Tim Hortons Field. In a 19-16 loss decided by a walk-off from Maltos Díaz, Mitchell completed 29 of 36 passes for 269 yards with one and one , connecting effectively with receivers like (nine catches for 117 yards) in a competitive battle that kept Hamilton in contention until the end.
YearGameOpponentComp/AttYardsTDsINTsResult
2014Grey CupHamilton Tiger-Cats25/3433400W, 20–16
2017Grey CupToronto Argonauts33/4537321L, 24–27
2018Grey CupOttawa RedBlacks24/3625322W, 27–16
2025Eastern FinalMontreal Alouettes29/3626911L, 16–19

Awards and honors

Individual awards

Bo Levi Mitchell has earned numerous individual accolades throughout his CFL career, highlighting his status as one of the league's premier quarterbacks. These honors include two CFL Most Outstanding Player awards, multiple division-level recognitions, Grey Cup Most Valuable Player selections, and statistical leadership in key passing categories. His achievements span his tenure with the Calgary Stampeders and Hamilton Tiger-Cats, reflecting consistent excellence in performance and leadership on the field. In 2014, Mitchell was named the after completing 25 of 34 passes for 334 yards, guiding to a 20-16 victory over the in the . He repeated this feat in 2018, earning MVP honors in the 106th game by throwing for 253 yards and two touchdowns in a 27-16 win against the . These performances underscored his ability to deliver in high-stakes playoff scenarios. Mitchell's standout regular-season campaigns led to CFL Most Outstanding Player awards in 2016 and 2018. In , he threw for 5,385 yards and a league-leading 32 passes while directing to a 15-2-1 record, earning unanimous support for the honor. Two years later, in 2018, he passed for 5,124 yards and another league-high 35 passes, helping secure a 13-5 mark and the West Division title. These seasons established him as a dual-threat leader capable of elevating team offenses. He was also a finalist for Most Outstanding Player in 2024 and 2025, finishing as runner-up both years. He also received West Division Most Outstanding Player recognition (Jeff Nicklin Memorial Trophy) in 2015, 2016, and 2018, serving as the division's nominee for league-wide honors each year. Transitioning to the East Division with Hamilton, Mitchell captured the East Division Most Outstanding Player award in both 2024 and 2025, leading the Tiger-Cats' offense amid competitive divisional play. Mitchell has been selected as a CFL three times (2016, 2018, 2024). He has also earned division All-Star honors six times: West Division All-Star in 2015, 2016, and 2018, and East Division All-Star in 2024 and 2025. These selections recognized his elite passing efficiency and impact, including leading the league in completion percentage multiple times during those years. In 2020, he was named to the CFL's 2010–2019 All-Decade Team as quarterback. Statistically, Mitchell has topped the CFL in passing yards twice, with 5,451 yards in 2024 and 5,296 yards in 2025, both seasons marked by high-volume performances and franchise records for the Tiger-Cats. He has led in touchdown passes four times: 32 in 2016, 35 in 2018, 32 in 2024, and a career-high 36 in 2025, often correlating with his award-winning campaigns and demonstrating his scoring prowess.
AwardYears
CFL Most Outstanding Player2016, 2018
2014, 2018
West Division Most Outstanding Player2015, 2016, 2018
East Division Most Outstanding Player2024, 2025
CFL All-Star2016, 2018, 2024
Division All-Star2015, 2016, 2018 (West); 2024, 2025 (East)
CFL 2010–2019 All-Decade Team (QB)2020
CFL Passing Yards Leader2024, 2025
CFL Passing Touchdowns Leader2016, 2018, 2024, 2025

Team achievements

During his tenure with the from 2012 to 2022, Bo Levi Mitchell played a pivotal role in securing two championships in 2014 and 2018, starting as in both victories. In 2014, he led the team to a 15-3 regular-season record and first place in the West Division, culminating in a 20-16 win over the where he threw for 334 yards. The 2018 season saw another West Division title with a 13-5 record, followed by a 27-16 triumph against the , where Mitchell earned honors after passing for 253 yards and two touchdowns. Mitchell also contributed to five consecutive West Division titles from 2014 to 2018, helping achieve consistent playoff contention with appearances in every postseason from 2012 to 2019 and in 2021 during his time as the primary starter. A highlight was the 2016 season, where posted a 15-2-1 record and won the Western Final 42-15 over the , advancing to the despite a 39-33 loss to the . Under his leadership, established franchise milestones, including a 14-game winning streak in 2016 and leading the CFL in offensive output with league-high scoring and yardage totals in multiple seasons during his peak years. With the since 2023, Mitchell guided the team to its first East Division first-place finish in 2025, clinching the top spot with a 35-15 over the on October 24, securing home-field advantage in the playoffs. In that season, he threw for a career-high 36 touchdowns, underscoring his impact on Hamilton's turnaround to a competitive standing after previous struggles.

Personal life

Family

Bo Levi Mitchell met his future wife, Madison Hilpert Mitchell, while attending , where they both studied. The couple married on 2015 in , Washington, shortly after Mitchell had established himself with the following his signing as an undrafted free agent in 2012, prompting their relocation to together. Mitchell and Madison have two daughters: Ele, born on March 9, 2017, and Lakelyn, born in early May 2019. The adjusted to significant changes following Mitchell's 2022 trade to the , relocating to the Hamilton area in early 2023, where Madison and the daughters joined him for his introductory press conference. By 2025, the had moved to a new home in . Mitchell has emphasized the importance of his in maintaining work-life balance amid the demands of professional football, noting that fatherhood and have enhanced his focus and performance on the field. His provided emotional support during his recovery from injuries, including a period of pain-free throwing in that brought her particular joy after prior setbacks. The family's presence has also been evident in brief involvement in his philanthropic efforts, such as Mitchell's Miracle Day.

Philanthropy

Bo Levi Mitchell co-founded Mitchell's Miracle Day in 2015 with his wife, Madison, as an annual holiday initiative aimed at providing underprivileged children and their families in with toys, gift cards, and special experiences during . The event involves collecting donations from the community through visits to businesses and malls, followed by personalized outings such as , watching movies, and bowling with selected children from organizations like Big Brothers Big Sisters of Calgary and Area. Mitchell has described the motivation as creating "magical" holiday memories for families facing hardship while emphasizing the value of giving back, drawing from a sense of gratitude for his own opportunities in the community. The initiative expanded in subsequent years, growing from supporting two children in its inaugural edition to assisting by 2016, with overwhelming community response enabling more generous donations each time. Mitchell's efforts earned him the ' Community Service Award in 2016, recognizing his broader involvement in local causes, including youth mentoring programs like Bo's QB Club, where he hosts young fans at games. In 2020, Mitchell participated in a charity poker tournament benefiting Children's Wish Foundation and Make-A-Wish , helping raise funds to grant wishes for children with critical illnesses. Following his move to the in 2023, Mitchell relocated Mitchell's Miracle Day to Hamilton, partnering with local businesses like Audi Hamilton and team members to collect toys and essential items for . The 2023 event focused on supporting families through donations to community programs, including food drives with Hamilton Food Share, continuing the tradition of direct community impact in his new home. Mitchell has expressed that these activities stem from a personal commitment to repay the support he has received throughout his career, particularly by fostering kindness and holiday joy for vulnerable .

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  59. https://www.ticats.ca/2025/07/21/bo-levi-mitchell-makes-history-as-ticats-complete-east-sweep-and-march-west/
  60. https://www.cfl.ca/league-leaders/
  61. https://thegreycup.com/grey-cup-results/2014-grey-cup/
  62. https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2284985-cfl-grey-cup-2014-score-recap-and-more-from-hamilton-vs-calgary
  63. https://www.cbc.ca/sports/football/cfl/grey-cup-stampeders-redblacks-1.3870182
  64. https://www.cfl.ca/2017/11/27/mitchell-couldnt-get-done-ball-hands/
  65. https://www.espn.com/cfl/story/_/id/25380058/calgary-stampeders-win-grey-cup-ottawa-redblacks
  66. https://www.cbc.ca/sports/football/cfl/cfl-montreal-alouettes-hamilton-tiger-cats-east-final-9.6972359
  67. https://www.cfl.ca/2016/11/24/shaw-cfl-awards-2016/
  68. https://www.cfl.ca/2018/11/22/shaw-2018-cfl-awards/
  69. https://www.cfl.ca/2014/11/30/mitchells-magic-leads-him-to-grey-cup-mvp/
  70. https://www.statscrew.com/football/leaders/l-CFL/y-2016
  71. https://www.thespec.com/sports/football/cfl/ticats/ticats-shut-out-of-cfl-awards/article_fb51f01a-62d4-5339-a29e-9fa53b87a947.html
  72. https://thescore.com/cfl/news/3391914
  73. https://www.cfl.ca/2015/11/12/mitchell-and-burris-headline-shaw-cfl-awards/
  74. https://www.ticats.ca/2024/10/31/mitchell-bridges-named-finalists-for-cfl-awards/
  75. https://www.cfl.ca/2025/10/22/cfl-clubs-announce-team-award-winners/
  76. https://www.cfl.ca/2015/11/10/stars-aligned-cfl-divisional-all-stars-announced/
  77. https://www.statscrew.com/football/stats/p-mitchbo001
  78. https://www.statscrew.com/football/leaders/l-CFL/y-2018
  79. https://infonews.ca/news/590398/mitchell-cool-under-pressure-in-leading-stamps-to-grey-cup-victory/
  80. https://www.statscrew.com/football/results/t-CFLCGY/y-2014
  81. https://www.stampeders.com/standings/2018/
  82. https://www.stampeders.com/standings/2017/
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  84. https://www.stampeders.com/2016/11/20/stamps-win-west-for-grey-cup-berth/
  85. https://www.footballdb.com/teams/cfl/calgary-stampeders/results/2016
  86. https://www.stampeders.com/2017/04/05/getting-know-bo-levi-mitchell/
  87. https://www.cfl.ca/2025/10/24/tiger-cats-clinch-first-in-the-east-with-win-over-redblacks/
  88. https://www.ticats.ca/2025/10/26/rise-to-the-top-tiger-cats-clinch-east-division-and-prepare-for-playoffs/
  89. https://www.stampeders.com/2016/12/16/morris-for-bo-levi-mitchell-calgary-is-home/
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  91. https://www.stampeders.com/2017/04/18/oh-baby-month/
  92. https://www.stampeders.com/2019/06/18/stamps-inkd-bo-levi-mitchell/
  93. https://www.ticats.ca/2025/04/10/269680/
  94. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-gqIiX4LKyg
  95. https://3downnation.com/2022/05/17/pain-free-bo-levi-mitchell-looking-to-prove-himself-to-stampeders-teammates-management-after-injury-plagued-few-seasons/
  96. https://globalnews.ca/news/2396640/bo-levi-and-fiancee-overwhelmed-by-support-in-launch-of-mitchells-miracle-day/
  97. https://www.stampeders.com/2016/12/21/mitchells-miracle-day-2/
  98. https://bbbscalgary.ca/bo-levi-mitchell-delivers-holiday-miracles-to-families/
  99. https://globalnews.ca/news/3132542/bo-levi-and-wife-madison-celebrate-mitchells-miracle-day-more-gifts-love-in-2016/
  100. https://calgaryherald.com/sports/football/stampeders-recognize-bo-levi-mitchell-for-charitable-work
  101. https://globalnews.ca/video/6662769/childrens-wish-foundation-make-a-wish-hold-annual-charity-poker-tournament
  102. https://www.chch.com/morning-live/tiger-cat-bo-levi-mitchell-helps-kids-in-need-through-annual-charity-event/
  103. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lGvxYZ-mYHQ
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