Santa Clara, CA – Just days before final cuts, San Francisco 49ers rookie running back Darius Mitchell has decided to step away from the 53-man roster battle to return home and care for his seriously ill parents.
Mitchell, 23, joined San Francisco as an undrafted free agent after the 2025 NFL Draft. In the preseason, he impressed with 61 yards on 8 carries and a 41-yard touchdown burst against the Denver Broncos—followed by a leap into the Levi’s Stadium stands that electrified the Faithful—showing depth potential behind Christian McCaffrey, Elijah Mitchell, and Jordan Mason.
Head coach Kyle Shanahan praised him after the game: “Darius showed vision, speed, and heart. He’s the kind of player who fits our culture.”
Within hours, Mitchell issued a statement echoing the heartfelt family-first message fans have witnessed across the league:
“Thank you San Francisco 49ers for the incredible opportunity to chase my NFL dream. But right now, my parents—who sacrificed everything for me—are fighting illness. My father is battling heart disease, and my mother is undergoing chemotherapy for breast cancer. I need to be with them. The NFL is a dream, but family is my foundation. Thank you, 49ers Faithful, and I hope to be back soon. #FTTB”
General manager John Lynch voiced support: “Darius is a talented young man with tremendous character. We respect his decision to put family first, and the door will always be open for him here in San Francisco.”
Mitchell’s choice doesn’t drastically disrupt the 49ers’ RB depth—anchored by McCaffrey and Mason while awaiting full health for Elijah Mitchell—but it emphasizes that football is more than touchdowns and tackles; it’s about humanity and values.
On social media, fans began rallying behind the hashtag #DariusStrong. Should his family situation stabilize, Mitchell could pursue another NFL shot in 2026—perhaps even rejoining San Francisco’s practice squad—with his preseason highlight reel giving him a very real chance.
