April 11, 2025

Brian Mitchell, Redskins Super Bowl Champion, Speaker at Partlow Insurance Sports Breakfast

Jeremy Luttrell, president of the Shenandoah Apple Blossom Festival® is pleased to announce that Brian Mitchell will be a guest speaker at the Partlow Insurance Sports Breakfast on Saturday, May 3, at 9 a.m. The Breakfast will be held in the Tolley Dental Zone at the James R. Wilkins, Jr. Athletics & Events Center on the campus of Shenandoah University.  Mitchell will be riding in the Hang 10 Firefighters’ Parade on Friday at 5:30 p.m. and the Glo Fiber Grand Feature Parade on Saturday, May 3, which kicks off at 1:30 p.m. 
 
Brian Mitchell, a Super Bowl Champion and one of the most accomplished NFL players of his era, returns to the Shenandoah Apple Blossom Festival® for the first time since 1993. Born and raised in Plaquemine, Louisiana, as one of seven children, Brian developed a strong foundation in both education and athletics. He attended the University of Southwestern Louisiana (now the University of Louisiana at Lafayette), where he set an NCAA record for most rushing touchdowns by a quarterback.
His remarkable talent and work ethic led him to the NFL, where he started his career with the Washington Redskins in 1990 as a return specialist and running back. In his second season, Brian made history by setting NFL records for punt return yards and touchdowns, helping the Redskins win Super Bowl XXVI. Throughout his 14-year career, which also included stints with the Philadelphia Eagles and the New York Giants, Brian earned three NFL All-Pro selections, a Pro Bowl appearance in 1995, and induction into the Redskins Ring of Fame. He remains second in NFL history for all-purpose yards and special teams touchdowns.

Beyond his athletic achievements, Brian is known for his positive attitude and commitment to helping others. He frequently participates in charity events, serves as a mentor to young athletes, and encourages individuals transitioning from athletics to new careers. Today, he co-hosts "B Mitch and Finlay" on 106.7 The Fan and serves as an analyst on regional and national sports shows. Outside of work, Brian enjoys cooking, cycling, and golfing.
Brian's impact extends far beyond his impressive statistics—he uses his platform to inspire hard work, dedication, and a positive attitude in communities across the country.

Tickets to Festival events are available at www.thebloom.com/event

Princesses Group 3
By Erik Zimmerman March 20, 2026
Festival Announces Selection of Princesses who will accompany Queen Shenandoah XCIX and her Court to all Festival functions throughout the 99th Festival, April 24th to May 3rd, 2026.
Jesse Palmer
By Erik Zimmerman March 19, 2026
TV Personality and Sports Commentator Jesse Palmer to serve as the 99th Shenandoah Apple Blossom Festival® Grand Marshal . Purchase tickets for Festival events.
Molly Maynard (L) and Natalie Rasmussen (R)
By Erik Zimmerman March 16, 2026
Miss Honorary Fire and Rescue Chief In and Out of Town Pageant Winners.
Izzy Horn
By Erik Zimmerman March 16, 2026
Izzy Horn, Miss Virginia Association of Fairs, to attend 99th Shenandoah Apple Blossom Festival®.
2026 Princesses Group 2
By Erik Zimmerman March 13, 2026
The princesses include Morgan Elaina Holben, Paige Christine Linton, Izabella Grace O'Wade, Meghan Elizabeth Walker, and Carrie Hart Warner.
Miss Honorary Fire and Rescue Chief Contest
By Erik Zimmerman March 11, 2026
The In-Town and Out-of-Town Miss Honorary Fire and Rescue Chief Contest, will be held at 7 p.m. Saturday, March 14, at James Wood Middle School in Winchester.
Royce Gracie
By Erik Zimmerman March 9, 2026
Ultimate Fighting Championship and Mixed Martial Arts Legend Royce Gracie to Speak at the Partlow Insurance Sports Breakfast.
Festival Announces Selection of Princesses
By Erik Zimmerman March 6, 2026
The princesses include Lauren MacKinnon Dennard, Mia Douglas Kern, Ava Annalise Mannarino, Sarah Elizabeth Roy, and Taylor Faith Weiss.
Annabelle Jayne Park
By Erik Zimmerman February 26, 2026
Annabelle Park, Daughter of Michael and Laurie Park to Reign as Queen Shenandoah XCIX.
Jordan Burroughs
By Erik Zimmerman February 24, 2026
Six-time World Champion Wrestler and Olympic Gold Medalist, Jordan Burroughs to Serve as Sports Guest at the 99th Shenandoah Apple Blossom Festival®.
Show More