About

“Through the experiences that have shaped my life, I have come to understand that, regardless of our individual circumstances, we have all experienced a certain amount of trauma.

Many of us are able to endure trauma because trauma has given us strength, but what we long for most is love and connection.

For this reason, letting go is essential to realizing our full potential.”

Keith Mitchell
From NFL All-Pro to Master Yogi and Everything in Between

Keith Mitchell began his career as a collegiate level outside linebacker at Texas A&M University, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts in Economics.

Even though he was not immediately drafted into the NFL, he didn’t let that stop him.

As a result of his determination and drive for success, Keith signed with the New Orleans Saints in 1997 – the beginning of an illustrious career.

In the NFL, he started in 6 of his 7 seasons. During his 5 seasons with the Saints, Keith started 60 of the 79 games he played, averaging 93 tackles and 4 sacks per season.

He recorded 6.5 sacks and two defensive touchdowns during his career, which earned him a place of honor in the Pro Bowl.

Keith also played for the Houston Texans from 2002-2003 and for the Jacksonville Jaguars from 2003-2004.

As an undrafted player who ultimately achieved All-Pro status, he also won MVP honors, became the NFL’s highest-paid undrafted player, and earned admiration as an undrafted pioneer. He was inducted into the Texas A&M Lettermen’s Association All-Time Hall of Fame in 2015 and is a member of the NFL Players Association.

Keith was respected on the field for his record-setting defensive tackles and quarterback sacks. NFL fans adored him. His life was a reflection of the American dream.

…and it ended in a single moment.

At the height of his success, a paralyzing tackle led to a horrific spinal injury that ended his career and forced him to retire early at 31 years of age.

Transition was inevitable. A choice had to be made –  either continue down the dark path of defeat or cultivate the strength to overcome these hurdles.

The grip of emotional depression was real. Keith had witnessed the physical deterioration of other NFL teammates in his position.

Then he stumbled onto something BIG, and it changed his life forever.

In his darkest hour, Keith discovered conscious breathing, yoga, and meditation, and began a daily practice. These tools not only helped him physically, but also helped him gain a greater sense of self-awareness and fulfillment that went way beyond his passion for football.

After experiencing transformation through this profound, life-changing insight, Keith soon realized how many people were unaware of the practices that were critical to his own healing.

It is that transformation and insight that drives him to share these liberating tools with others.

Keith then began an entirely new journey; to teach others how to enjoy the amazing benefits of mindfulness and to break free from the negative emotions that hold them hostage.

Keith Mitchell’ teachings and inspirational story have been discovered and appreciated by many – from professional athletes, top executives, and notable institutions around the globe.

At the request of The White House, Keith participated in First Lady Michelle Obama’s Let’s Move! campaign. He has also collaborated with The University of Rochester Medical Center, and has shared the stage with Bruce Lipton, Dr. Michael Roizen, Dr. Oz, and even former President Bill Clinton.

In addition to his world-wide collection of ancient practices from his extensive travels, Keith’s formal meditation and yoga training includes:

  • 200 hours with Chinook Wusdhu
  • 1000 hours at White Lotus with Ganga White and Tracey Rich
  • 200 hours with Baron Baptiste at Yinyoga

Keith Mitchell began his career as a collegiate level outside linebacker at Texas A&M University, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts in Economics.

Even though he was not immediately drafted into the NFL, he didn’t let that stop him.

As a result of his determination and drive for success, Keith signed with the New Orleans Saints in 1997 – the beginning of an illustrious career.

In the NFL, he started in 6 of his 7 seasons. During his 5 seasons with the Saints, Keith started 60 of the 79 games he played, averaging 93 tackles and 4 sacks per season.

He recorded 6.5 sacks and two defensive touchdowns during his career, which earned him a place of honor in the Pro Bowl.

Keith also played for the Houston Texans from 2002-2003 and for the Jacksonville Jaguars from 2003-2004.

As an undrafted player who ultimately achieved All-Pro status, he also won MVP honors, became the NFL’s highest-paid undrafted player, and earned admiration as an undrafted pioneer. He was inducted into the Texas A&M Lettermen’s Association All-Time Hall of Fame in 2015 and is a member of the NFL Players Association.

Keith was respected on the field for his record-setting defensive tackles and quarterback sacks. NFL fans adored him. His life was a reflection of the American dream.

…and it ended in a single moment.

At the height of his success, a paralyzing tackle led to a horrific spinal injury that ended his career and forced him to retire early at 31 years of age.

Transition was inevitable. A choice had to be made –  either continue down the dark path of defeat or cultivate the strength to overcome these hurdles.

The grip of emotional depression was real. Keith had witnessed the physical deterioration of other NFL teammates in his position.

Then he stumbled onto something BIG, and it changed his life forever.

In his darkest hour, Keith discovered conscious breathing, yoga, and meditation, and began a daily practice. These tools not only helped him physically, but also helped him gain a greater sense of self-awareness and fulfillment that went way beyond his passion for football.

After experiencing transformation through this profound, life-changing insight, Keith soon realized how many people were unaware of the practices that were critical to his own healing.

It is that transformation and insight that drives him to share these liberating tools with others.

Keith then began an entirely new journey; to teach others how to enjoy the amazing benefits of mindfulness and to break free from the negative emotions that hold them hostage.

Keith Mitchell’ teachings and inspirational story have been discovered and appreciated by many – from professional athletes, top executives, and notable institutions around the globe.

At the request of The White House, Keith participated in First Lady Michelle Obama’s Let’s Move! campaign. He has also collaborated with The University of Rochester Medical Center, and has shared the stage with Bruce Lipton, Dr. Michael Roizen, Dr. Oz, and even former President Bill Clinton.

In addition to his world-wide collection of ancient practices from his extensive travels, Keith’s formal meditation and yoga training includes:

  • 200 hours with Chinook Wusdhu
  • 1000 hours at White Lotus with Ganga White and Tracey Rich
  • 200 hours with Baron Baptiste at Yinyoga

Community Outreach

As a community activist, in 1999, he founded The Keith Mitchell ReachBack Foundation in Dallas, Texas. The organization collected donations for local families in need during the holidays, developed relationships with major healthcare facilities, and organized teammate visitations to chronically ill children in hospitals.

Then in 2013, Keith expanded his vision and founded the  Light It Up Foundation. In addition, he spear-headed the KM59 Wellness Movement, which brings his transformational tools and practices to the lives of youth, trauma survivors, first responders and veterans.

Keith also works with communities, schools and organizations to introduce meditation, mindfulness and movement through yoga. In 2015, Keith coordinated the Mindful Living Health Expo & AltaMed 5k at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum where he, along with other experts, educated inner city youths on healthy living strategies.

Keith remains committed to spreading his message of healing through the act of paying it forward.