Eugene Keefe Robinson (born May 28, 1963) is an American former professional football safety who played in the National Football League (NFL) for 16 seasons. He spent the majority of his career with the Seattle Seahawks, who signed him as an undrafted free agent in 1985. In addition to his 11 seasons with the Seahawks, he was a member of the Green Bay Packers and Atlanta Falcons for two seasons each and the Carolina Panthers for one season.
During his Seattle tenure, Robinson was named to two Pro Bowls and led the league in interceptions in 1993. Robinson's two seasons with the Packers saw him reach the Super Bowl in both years and win Super Bowl XXXI. With the Falcons, he earned a third Pro Bowl selection and made a third consecutive Super Bowl appearance.
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College career
During high school, Robinson was not a sought after recruit and did not receive any major scholarship offers. He was interested in attending Colgate although they did not offer athletic scholarships and were known for their academics. When he inquired about joining their football program as a walk-on, Colgate wouldn't guarantee he'd receive a roster spot, but did guarantee he'd at least receive a tryout. He began attending Colgate University in 1981 and successfully joined the football team as a walk-on. While attending, Robinson also was part of their wrestling team and worked a part-time job at McDonald's to pay his tuition. He became a starter during his sophomore year in 1982. During his sophomore and junior seasons, he was limited to 34 combined tackles and one interception. As a senior, he remained a starting defensive back and recorded 52 combined tackles and two interceptions throughout the 1984 season.
Professional career
During the NFL Scouting Combine, Robinson ran a 4.66s in the 40-yard dash. The New Jersey Generals selected Robinson during the 1985 USFL territorial draft. He attended training camp with the New Jersey Generals of the USFL, but opted to attend the tryout with the Seahawks.
Seattle Seahawks
Robinson went undrafted in the 1985 NFL draft, but was invited by the Seattle Seahawks to tryout during spring minicamp. At the conclusion of spring minicamp, the Seahawks invited him to participate at training camp. His versatility as a defensive back capable of playing both cornerback and safety significantly allowed him to quickly garner experience as it also coincided with cornerback Dave Brown's absence at training camp due to a contract holdout.
On June 4, 1985, the Seattle Seahawks signed Robinson as an undrafted free agent. On September 4, 1985, Robinson made the Seahawks' opening day roster as one of only three rookies to make it through their final roster cuts. Head coach Chuck Knox named Robinson a backup safety to begin the season and primarily used him on special teams. He was listed as a backup safety on the depth chart behind starting tandem Kenny Easley and John Harris and primary backup Paul Moyer.
On September 8, 1985, Robinson made his professional regular season debut in the Seahawks' season-opener at the Cincinnati Bengals as they won 28—24. On October 6, 1985, Robinson made one solo tackle, a pass deflection, and had his first career interception on a pass attempt by Mark Herrman during a 21—26 win against the San Diego Chargers. In Week 16, he set a season-high with nine combined tackles (six solo) and had a pass deflection during a 24—27 loss to the Denver Broncos. On December 1, 1985, Robinson recorded three combined tackles (one solo), set a season-high with two pass deflections, and intercepted a pass attempt by Todd Blackledge to wide receiver Stephone Paige as the Seahawks routed the Kansas City Chiefs 6—24. He finished his rookie season with 28 combined tackles (18 solo), four pass deflections, and two interceptions in 16 games and zero starts.
Throughout training camp, Robinson competed against Paul Moyer for the starting role at free safety after it was left vacant following the departure of John Harris. Head coach Chuck Knox named Robinson the starting free safety to begin the regular season, pairing him with Kenny Easley. On September 7, 1986, Robinson earned his first career start in the Seattle Seahawks' home-opener against the Pittsburgh Steelers and recorded four combined tackles (three solo) during a 0—30 shutout victory. On September 14, 1986, Robinson made five combined tackles (three solo), a pass deflection, and helped secure a 17—23 win against the Kansas City Chiefs by intercepting a pass by Todd Blackledge late in the fourth quarter. He started in all 16 games for the first time in his career and finished the season with 99 combined tackles (81 solo), ten pass deflections, three interceptions, and three forced fumbles.
Green Bay Packers
On June 27, 1996, the Seattle Seahawks traded Robinson to the Green Bay Packers in exchange for defensive end Matt LaBounty. Plans for the Seahawks trading Robinson had been rumored for some time after he allegedly refused to agree to take a 75% pay cut for the upcoming season, from $1.2 million to $300,000. He became expendable after the Seahawks signed free agent Darryl Williams. On July 17, 1996, the Packers subsequently traded former starting safety George Teague to the Atlanta Falcons. Head coach Mike Holmgren named Robinson the starting free safety to begin the season and paired him with strong safety LeRoy Butler.
On September 22,1996, Robinson recorded six combined tackles (four solo), set a season-high with two pass deflections, and had his first interception as a member of the Packers, picking off a pass attempt by Warren Moon during a 21—30 loss at the Minnesota Vikings. In Week 7, he set a season-high with eight combined tackles (three solo), made one pass deflection, and intercepted a pass Elvis Grbac attempted to throw to J. J. Stokes as the Packers defeated the San Francisco 49ers 20—23. In Week 14, Robinson set a season-high with seven solo tackles, made a pass deflection, and intercepted a pass attempt by Dave Kreig during a 17—28 victory against the Chicago Bears. He started in all 16 games and recorded 81 combined tackles (55 solo), 12 pass deflections, and six interceptions. Under defensive coordinator Fritz Shurmur, the addition of Robinson immensely improved the Packers' pass defense. As a former cornerback and intelligent veteran, Robinson was able to excel in pass coverage, allowing strong safety LeRoy Butler to line up in the box and along the line of scrimmage, which aided the defensive line that included Reggie White. His experience and pass coverage ability aided a young core of cornerbacks that included Doug Evans, Craig Newsome, and Tyrone Williams.
The Green Bay Packers finished the 1996 NFL season first in the NFC Central with an 13—3 record, clinching a playoff berth and earning a first round bye. On January 4, 1997, Robinson started in the NFC Wild-Card Game and recorded one solo tackle, made two pass deflections, and led the game with two interceptions on pass attempts by Steve Young as the Packers defeated the San Francisco 49ers 14—35. The following week, the Packers defeated the Carolina Panthers 30—13 to win the NFC Championship Game and advance to the Super Bowl. On January 26, 1997, Robinson started in Super Bowl XXXI and recorded a team-high nine combined tackles (six solo) and made one pass break-up as the Packers defeated the New England Patriots 35–21. He earned his first career Super Bowl ring.
Atlanta Falcons
On March 6, 1998, the Atlanta Falcons signed Robinson to a two—year, $3.55 million contract as an unrestricted free agent.
After the 1997 season, Robinson joined the Atlanta Falcons in 1998. During the season, Robinson recorded 46 tackles, two fumble recoveries, four interceptions, and one touchdown return, earning his third career Pro Bowl selection. After making a game-saving play in the NFC Championship game (breaking up an otherwise certain winning touchdown to Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Randy Moss), Robinson made it to his third consecutive Super Bowl, facing the Broncos for the second straight season.
The night prior to Super Bowl XXXIII, Robinson was arrested by an undercover police officer for soliciting a prostitute. Earlier that day, Robinson received the Athletes in Action/Bart Starr Award, given annually to a player who best exemplifies outstanding character and leadership in the home, on the field and in the community. After the arrest, Robinson agreed to return the award.
The next day, without much sleep the night before due to the prostitution incident, Robinson gave up an 80-yard touchdown reception to Broncos receiver Rod Smith, giving the Broncos a 17–3 lead over the Falcons. Later, in the fourth quarter, he missed a tackle on Denver running back Terrell Davis that enabled Davis to break a long run to the Atlanta 10-yard line. The Atlanta Falcons ended up losing the game, 34–19, and Robinson was widely denounced by the press and fans for the previous night's incident. The next season was Robinson's last with the Falcons.
Carolina Panthers
On August 12, 2000, the Carolina Panthers signed Robinson to a one—year, $440,000 contract at the league minimum for a veteran.
After leaving the Falcons, Robinson joined the Carolina Panthers, and retired following the 2000 season.
Career summary
In his 16 seasons, Robinson recorded 1,415 tackles, 57 interceptions, 762 return yards, 22 fumble recoveries, 71 return yards, and two touchdowns (one fumble return, one interception return), and 7.5 sacks. His 57 interceptions have been exceeded by just 11 players, four of whom are in the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
NFL career statistics
Coaching and broadcasting career
Robinson served as a color analyst for the Carolina Panthers Radio Network from 2002 to 2018. He is a varsity football and wrestling coach at Charlotte Christian School in Charlotte, North Carolina.
Beginning in January 2015, Robinson is a co-host of the morning television show Charlotte Today on WCNC-TV, Charlotte, NC.
Personal life
Robinson is a Christian and spoke with the Carolina Panthers team before Super Bowl 50.