Jim Mitchell, 60, Pro Bowl receiver

SHELBYVILLE, Tenn. - Jim Mitchell, a Pro Bowl tight end for the Atlanta Falcons in the 1960s and 1970s, died after suffering an apparent heart attack. He was 60.

Feldhaus Memorial Chapel confirmed Mr. Mitchell's death yesterday.

A friend found Mr. Mitchell unconscious on the front steps of his home Saturday morning, the Shelbyville Times-Gazette reported. He died at a hospital. Mr. Mitchell, who had turned 60 on Friday, suffered from diabetes and eventually lost much of his eyesight.

He played for the Falcons from 1969-79 and was named to the Pro Bowl following the 1969 and 1972 seasons. He ranks fourth in Falcons history with 305 career receptions and 4,358 yards receiving. He had 31 career touchdowns.

The former Shelbyville high school star attended Prairie View A&M in Texas.

After retiring from the NFL, Mr. Mitchell coached at Morehouse and Morris Brown colleges. He returned to Shelbyville and served as a volunteer assistant coach for its two high school football teams.