Eddie Robinson is a name that has been associated with excellence in American football for decades. But did you know that there are two Eddie Robinsons who have made their mark in the sport? One is Eddie Robinson Jr., a former NFL linebacker and current head coach of Alabama State University. The other is Eddie Robinson, a legendary college football coach who led Grambling State University to 408 wins and 17 conference titles. Are they related? The answer may surprise you.
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Eddie Robinson Jr.: From Player to Coach
Eddie Robinson Jr. was born on April 13, 1970, in New Orleans, Louisiana. He attended Brother Martin High School, where he played quarterback and led the team to a 18-1 record in two seasons. He then enrolled at Alabama State University on an academic scholarship and joined the football team as a walk-on. He switched from offensive guard to linebacker and became a star player, earning All-SWAC honors and SWAC Defensive Player of the Year honors in 1990 and 1991. He also received academic All-Conference honors and a Bachelor’s of Science Degree in Chemistry in 1994.
Eddie Robinson Jr. was drafted by the Houston Oilers in the second round of the 1992 NFL Draft, the 50th player selected. He played for 11 seasons in the NFL, with the Oilers, the Jacksonville Jaguars, the Tennessee Titans, and the Buffalo Bills. He appeared in Super Bowl XXXIV with the Titans in 2000 and finished his career with 805 tackles, 23 sacks, six interceptions, and one touchdown.
After retiring from playing, Eddie Robinson Jr. became a coach. He started as an assistant coach at Alabama State University in 2012 and was promoted to head coach in 2022. He has led the Hornets to a winning record and a SWAC championship game appearance in his first season.
Eddie Robinson: A Coaching Legend
Eddie Robinson was born on February 13, 1919, in Jackson, Louisiana. He attended Leland College in Baker, Louisiana, where he played quarterback and graduated in 1941. He also received a master’s degree from the University of Iowa in 1954.
Eddie Robinson began his coaching career at Grambling State University (then known as Louisiana Negro Normal and Industrial Institute) in 1941. He coached football and basketball and taught physical education. He had no assistants and no budget for equipment. He did everything himself, from mowing the field to writing game reports for the newspaper.
Eddie Robinson turned Grambling into a powerhouse of black college football. He won 408 games, more than any other college football coach at the time of his retirement in 1997 (his record was later surpassed by John Gagliardi and Joe Paterno). He also won 17 conference titles and several national championships. He coached more than 200 players who went on to play in the NFL, including Hall of Famers Willie Davis, Willie Brown, and Buck Buchanan.
Eddie Robinson was more than just a coach. He was also a mentor, a teacher, and a leader. He helped his players achieve academic success and social responsibility. He also fought for civil rights and racial equality. He was honored with numerous awards and recognitions, including the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the highest civilian honor in the United States.
Eddie Robinson died on April 3, 2007, at the age of 88, in Ruston, Louisiana.
The Verdict: No Relation
Despite sharing the same name and passion for football, Eddie Robinson Jr. and Eddie Robinson are not related by blood or marriage. They are simply two men who have made their own contributions to the sport and inspired generations of players and coaches.
However, they do have some connections. Eddie Robinson Jr. played at Alabama State University, which is a rival of Grambling State University in the SWAC. He also coached against Grambling State University as an assistant coach at Alabama State University before becoming the head coach.
Moreover, Eddie Robinson Jr. has expressed his admiration and respect for Eddie Robinson as a coaching legend and a role model. According to ESPN, he said:
“He’s one of my heroes…He’s one of those guys that you look up to as far as what he did for black college football…He’s one of those guys that you want to emulate as far as being successful.”
Therefore, while Eddie Robinson Jr. and Eddie Robinson are not related by family ties, they are related by football history and legacy.
