A'Shawn Robinson

A'Shawn Robinson
refer to caption
Robinson at the U.S. Army All-American Bowl, 2013
No. 94 – Carolina Panthers
Position:Defensive end
Personal information
Born: (1995-03-21) March 21, 1995 (age 29)
Fort Worth, Texas, U.S.
Height:6 ft 4 in (1.93 m)
Weight:320 lb (145 kg)
Career information
High school:Fort Worth (TX) Arlington Heights
College:Alabama (2013–2015)
NFL draft:2016 / round: 2 / pick: 46
Career history
Roster status:Active
Career highlights and awards
Career NFL statistics as of Week 3, 2024
Tackles:373
Sacks:7.0
Forced fumbles:5
Fumble recoveries:3
Pass deflections:19
Interceptions:1
Defensive touchdowns:1
Stats at Pro Football Reference

A'Shawn Robinson (born March 21, 1995)[1] is an American professional football defensive end for the Carolina Panthers of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football at Alabama. He was selected by the Detroit Lions in the second round of the 2016 NFL draft and has also played in the NFL for the Los Angeles Rams, with whom he won Super Bowl LVI.

Robinson was a five-star recruit out of high school, with one service listing him as the nation's top defensive tackle.[2] Robinson played in all 13 of Alabama's games in the 2013 season and started in two games. Robinson was the only true freshman under head coach Nick Saban at Alabama to lead the team in sacks.[3] At 320 pounds, Robinson would line-up at both defensive end and tackle for Alabama during his freshman season. In his junior season, he appeared at fullback in goal line situations in games against LSU and Michigan State in addition to starting on the defensive line.

Early life

A native of Fort Worth, Texas, Robinson attended Arlington Heights High School. In addition to football, he competed on his high school's varsity basketball and track & field teams.[4] A two-way lineman for the Arlington Heights Yellowjackets football team, Robinson was coached by Todd Whitten in his senior season.[2] After the season, Robinson played for the West squad in the U.S. Army All-American Bowl, and was selected to the 2012 USA Today All-American Second-team.

Considered a five-star recruit by Rivals.com,[5] Robinson was listed as the No. 4 defensive tackle in the nation in 2013.[6][7] ESPN listed him as a four-star recruit and ranked him 105th overall on their "ESPN 300" ranking.[8] Robinson chose to attend Alabama over Texas, Southern California, Louisiana State, Arkansas, and Florida State. He was originally verbally committed to attend Texas as of February 2012.[9] Just prior to National Signing Day in February 2013, however, he de-committed from Texas and officially signed with Alabama.[2]

College career

Freshman year (2013)

Robinson started practicing with Alabama in August 2013 and played in the first game of Alabama's 2013 season on August 31, 2013.[10] Robinson and tight end O. J. Howard were Alabama's only true freshmen to have both started a game and played in every game of the 2013 season.[10] Robinson was also the only true freshman under head coach Nick Saban at Alabama to lead the team in sacks.[3]

Robinson led Alabama in sacks and was seventh on the team in tackles.[10] He was named by Alabama's coaches as one of the defensive "players of the week" in three of Alabama's 12 games.[11] No other true freshman was a "player of the week" on offense or defense during the 2013 season.[11] At Alabama's annual awards banquet after the 2013 regular season Robinson was one of four players to receive an "Iron Man Award" given to players who have shown the most dedication to the individual and team goals of the Crimson Tide's year-round strength and conditioning program.[12]

At the end of his first college football season Robinson was the only Alabama freshman named to the Southeastern Conference (SEC) Coaches' All-Freshman team.[13] Robinson was also on the 2013 Sporting News Freshman All-American team.[14]

Alabama's pass rushers in 2013 Sacks Quarterback hurries (QBH) Tackles TFL (ex. sacks) TFL yards
A'Shawn Robinson 5.5 5 38 2.5 40
Denzel Devall 5 3 30 2.0 22
Adrian Hubbard 3 4 33 2.5 27
Trey DePriest 2 0 65 5.5 23
C. J. Mosley 0 10 108 9.0 20

Sophomore year (2014)

Robinson was selected to the 2014 first-team in the pre-season Media Days All-SEC Team.[15] He was held out of some practices in August due to a sprained knee.[16] He led his team in tackles in the 2014 SEC Championship game versus Missouri. It was the first time in his career that he led the team in tackles. He started every game in the 2014 season, during which Alabama led the nation in rushing defense.[17] His teammates gave him the nickname of "Infamous A-Tron," a blend of A'Shawn and Megatron.[17] Robinson earned Honorable Mention on the All-SEC team after the 2014 season.

Junior year (2015)

Robinson started every game for the second season in a row and anchored a deep defensive line that helped Alabama lead college football in rushing yards allowed per game, yards per carry allowed per game, and sacks.[18] Robinson led Alabama in quarterback hurries and was a finalist for the Outland Trophy, an award for the nation's best interior lineman (both offensive and defensive).[19] Robinson did not win the Outland Trophy, and the Alabama football team used this snub as motivation in their College Football Playoff game against Michigan State.[20] After the season, Robinson decided to forgo his senior year and enter the 2016 NFL draft.[21]

Year School GP–GS Tackles Sacks Pass Defense Fumbles Blocked
Solo Ast Total Loss–Yards No–Yards Int–Yards BU PD QBH Rcv–Yards FF Kick
2013 Alabama 13–2 16 22 38 8.0–40 5.5–34 0–0 1 1 5 0–0 0 1
2014 Alabama 14–14 16 33 49 6.5–11 0.0–0 0–0 3 2 4 0–0 1 1
2015 Alabama 15–15 18 28 46 7.5–25 3.5–19 0–0 2 2 10 1–9 0 1

Professional career

Pre-draft measurables
Height Weight Arm length Hand span 40-yard dash 10-yard split 20-yard split 20-yard shuttle Three-cone drill Vertical jump Broad jump Bench press
6 ft 3+5⁄8 in
(1.92 m) 		307 lb
(139 kg) 		34+1⁄2 in
(0.88 m) 		10+1⁄2 in
(0.27 m)		 5.20 s 1.78 s 3.01 s 4.74 s 7.80 s 26.0 in
(0.66 m)		 8 ft 10 in
(2.69 m)		 22 reps
All values from NFL Combine[22][23]

Detroit Lions

Robinson in a game against the Washington Redskins

Robinson was selected in the second round with the 46th overall pick by the Detroit Lions in the 2016 NFL Draft.[24] On May 10, 2016, Robinson signed with the Detroit Lions.[25] He recorded his first career sack against Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Carson Wentz in Week 5.[26] In Week 16 of the 2016 season, against the Dallas Cowboys, Robinson drew an unnecessary roughness penalty for tackling running back Ezekiel Elliott too hard. The motion Robinson used on the tackle made it look like he was picking up Elliot and slamming him down, but the announcers agreed that the hit looked clean.[27][28][29] He finished his rookie season leading all defensive tackles in the NFL in pass deflections with seven.

During Week 6 of the 2017 NFL season, Robinson recorded his first career interception off Drew Brees and returned it two yards for a touchdown.[30] However, the Lions still lost to the New Orleans Saints by a score of 52–38. In Week 9, he blocked a Mason Crosby field goal to help the Lions beat the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field by a score of 30–17.[31]

In the 2018 season, Robinson played in 13 games with seven starts, recording 49 tackles, one sack, and one forced fumble.[32] He was placed on injured reserve on December 28, 2018.[33]

In the 2019 season, Robinson played in 13 games with nine starts, recording 40 tackles, 1.5 sacks, and one forced fumble.[34]

Los Angeles Rams

On April 24, 2020, the Los Angeles Rams signed Robinson to a two-year contract.[35] He was placed on the active/non-football injury list at the start of training camp on August 8, 2020.[36] He was placed on reserve/non-football injury to start the season.[37] He was activated on October 30, 2020.[38] Robinson helped the Rams win Super Bowl LVI by defeating the Cincinnati Bengals 23–20. In the Super Bowl, Robinson recorded six tackles and one sack and was instrumental in shutting down the Bengals running game.[39]

On November 26, 2022, Robinson was placed on injured reserve with a torn meniscus.[40]

New York Giants

On April 24, 2023, Robinson signed a one-year, $8 million deal with the New York Giants.[41]

Carolina Panthers

On March 13, 2024, Robinson signed a three-year, $22.5 million contract with the Carolina Panthers.[42]

NFL career statistics

Regular season

Legend
Won the Super Bowl
Bold Career high
Year Team Games Tackles Fumbles Interceptions
GP GS Cmb Solo Ast Sck FF FR Yds TD Int Yds Avg Lng TD PD
2016 DET 16 5 30 22 8 2.0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0.0 0 0 7
2017 DET 16 16 53 32 21 0.5 1 0 0 0 1 2 2.0 2 1 6
2018 DET 13 7 49 34 15 1.0 1 1 0 0 0 0 0.0 0 0 0
2019 DET 13 9 40 32 8 1.5 1 2 3 0 0 0 0.0 0 0 3
2020 LAR 8 0 12 6 6 0.0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0.0 0 0 1
2021 LAR 17 14 67 33 34 2.0 2 0 0 0 0 0 0.0 0 0 0
2022 LAR 10 10 42 22 20 0.0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0.0 0 0 0
2023 NYG 17 13 62 34 28 0.0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0.0 0 0 2
Career 110 74 355 215 140 7.0 5 3 3 3 1 2 2.0 2 1 19

Postseason

Year Team Games Tackles Fumbles Interceptions
GP GS Cmb Solo Ast Sck FF FR Yds TD Int Yds Avg Lng TD PD
2016 DET 1 1 7 2 5 0.0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0.0 0 0 0
2020 LAR 2 0 6 4 2 0.0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0.0 0 0 0
2021 LAR 4 4 22 12 10 1.0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0.0 0 0 0
Career 7 5 35 18 17 1.0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0.0 0 0 0

Personal life

Due to his physical appearance, Robinson is often questioned of his actual age. Having started playing football at the age of 4,[43] his mother stated that she would bring his birth certificate to games, due to opposing coaches challenging his age for eligibility.[44] "I couldn't play because I was too big and they had to see my birth certificate," said Robinson.[45] This would continue into his adult years; he shared that he was often mistaken for a 35-year-old coach when he was actually a 20-year-old student athlete.[46]

References

  1. ^ Casagrande, Michael (September 4, 2015). "Meet A'Shawn Robinson, the giant 'teddy bear' who left Texas to anchor Alabama D-line". AL.com. Retrieved March 25, 2023.
  2. ^ a b c Gribble, Andrew (February 6, 2013). "A'Shawn Robinson a Texas-sized addition to Tide's 2013 class". AL.com. Retrieved November 27, 2013.
  3. ^ a b "Best defensive 'triplets' in college football". NFL.com. July 21, 2014. Retrieved August 7, 2023.
  4. ^ Madden, Ted (March 5, 2013). "Arlington Heights continues its unlikely tournament run". WFAA.com. Archived from the original on December 3, 2013. Retrieved November 27, 2013.
  5. ^ "A'Shawn Robinson, 2013 Defensive Tackle, Alabama". Rivals.com. Retrieved August 8, 2023.
  6. ^ "A'Shawn Robinson".
  7. ^ "Rewind: Five-star prospect A'Shawn Robinson - Detroit Lions". Rivals.com – via YouTube.
  8. ^ "A'Shawn Robinson Recruiting Profile". ESPN.
  9. ^ Olson, Max (February 16, 2012). "DT Robinson commits to Horns". ESPN.com. Retrieved November 27, 2013.
  10. ^ a b c "2013 Alabama Individual Game-by-Game Summaries". RollTide.com. University of Alabama Department of Intercollegiate Athletics. Retrieved November 27, 2013.
  11. ^ a b "2013 Alabama coaching staff Players-of-the-Week" (PDF). RollTide.com. University of Alabama Department of Intercollegiate Athletics. p. 8. Archived from the original (PDF) on December 3, 2013. Retrieved November 27, 2013.
  12. ^ "Football Holds Annual Awards Banquet Sunday".
  13. ^ "SEC All-Freshman team". ESPN.com. December 12, 2013.
  14. ^ Hayes, Matt (December 13, 2013). "Freshman All-Americans: Jameis Winston, Myles Jack lead the way". Sporting News. Archived from the original on January 16, 2014. Retrieved January 13, 2014.
  15. ^ "Alabama Lands 10 on Preseason All-SEC Squad; Picked to Win SEC by Media". University of Alabama Athletics. July 17, 2014. Retrieved August 8, 2023.
  16. ^ Gribble, Andrew (August 8, 2014). "Alabama exercising caution with DE A'Shawn Robinson as he deals with minor knee injury". al. Retrieved September 1, 2020.
  17. ^ a b Dill, Butch (December 30, 2014). "Alabama standout proud to be a 'Texas Made' player". Fort Worth Star-Telegram. Retrieved July 22, 2024.
  18. ^ Kramer, Adam (December 30, 2015). "Meet 'The Savages': Alabama's X-Factor for the College Football Playoff". Bleacher Report. Retrieved September 1, 2020.
  19. ^ "FWAA > News > Outland Trophy Semifinalists". www.sportswriters.net. Retrieved September 1, 2020.
  20. ^ Casagrande, Michael (December 20, 2015). "Ragland does hilarious imitation of A'Shawn Robinson". AL.com. Retrieved September 1, 2020.
  21. ^ "Derrick Henry, A'Shawn Robinson will enter 2016 NFL Draft". NFL.com. Retrieved September 1, 2020.
  22. ^ "A'Shawn Robinson Draft and Combine Prospect Profile". NFL.com. Retrieved May 30, 2022.
  23. ^ "2016 Draft Scout AShawn Robinson, Alabama NFL Draft Scout College Football Profile". draftscout.com. Retrieved November 9, 2022.
  24. ^ Twentyman, Tim (April 29, 2016). "Detroit Lions draft defensive tackle A'Shawn Robinson". Archived from the original on May 1, 2016. Retrieved April 29, 2016.
  25. ^ "Lions sign second-round pick DT A'Shawn Robinson". DetroitLions.com. May 10, 2016. Archived from the original on May 11, 2016. Retrieved May 10, 2016.
  26. ^ "Philadelphia Eagles at Detroit Lions - October 9th, 2016". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved September 1, 2020.
  27. ^ Clements, Ron (December 26, 2017). "Lions DT A'Shawn Robinson flagged for tackling Ezekiel Elliott too hard". Sporting News. Retrieved December 30, 2016.
  28. ^ Sandritter, Mark (December 27, 2016). "Lions defender gets penalized for tackling Ezekiel Elliott". SB Nation. Retrieved December 30, 2016.
  29. ^ Rothstein, Michael (December 27, 2016). "Lions want NFL to review A'Shawn Robinson's flagged tackle of Ezekiel Elliott". ABC News. Retrieved December 30, 2016.
  30. ^ "Detroit Lions at New Orleans Saints - October 15th, 2017". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved September 1, 2020.
  31. ^ "Detroit Lions at Green Bay Packers - November 6th, 2017". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved September 1, 2020.
  32. ^ "A'Shawn Robinson 2018 Game Log". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved September 1, 2020.
  33. ^ "Lions assigned DE Mitchell Loewen via waivers from New Orleans Saints". DetroitLions.com. December 28, 2018. Retrieved August 7, 2023.
  34. ^ "A'Shawn Robinson 2019 Game Log". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved September 1, 2020.
  35. ^ Jackson, Stu (April 24, 2020). "Rams sign OLB Leonard Floyd and DT A'Shawn Robinson". TheRams.com. Retrieved April 24, 2020.
  36. ^ Jackson, Stu (August 9, 2020). "Sean McVay: A'Shawn Robinson to return from Active/Non-Football Injury List "at some point this season"". TheRams.com. Retrieved August 11, 2020.
  37. ^ Jackson, Stu (September 5, 2020). "Rams waive nine players, place Howard on injured reserve and Robinson on reserve/non-football injury list". TheRams.com. Retrieved August 7, 2023.
  38. ^ Klein, Gary (October 30, 2020). "Rams activate A'Shawn Robinson, who could make debut Sunday in Miami". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved November 14, 2020.
  39. ^ "Super Bowl LVI - Los Angeles Rams vs. Cincinnati Bengals - February 13th, 2022". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved March 25, 2023.
  40. ^ @RamsNFL (November 26, 2022). "LA Rams Transactions: • Signed to Active Roster T A.J. Arcuri, RB Ronnie Rivers • Activated, from Practice Squad TE Roger Carter, G Jeremiah Kolone • Reserve/Injured DT A'Shawn Robinson" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
  41. ^ "Giants' A'Shawn Robinson: Agrees to deal with Big Blue". CBSSports.com. April 24, 2023. Retrieved April 24, 2023.
  42. ^ Hill, Kassidy (March 13, 2024). "Panthers officially agree to terms with five free agents". Panthers.com. Retrieved September 25, 2024.
  43. ^ Rothstein, Michael (April 30, 2016). "'Old man' A'Shawn Robinson has no issue playing, looking older than age". ESPN.com. Retrieved September 1, 2020.
  44. ^ "Alabama's A'Shawn Robinson says most people think he's about 35 years old". FOX Sports. December 29, 2015. Retrieved September 1, 2020.
  45. ^ Casagrande, Michael (September 4, 2015). "A'Shawn Robinson is 'teddy bear' who anchors Tide line". AL.com. Retrieved September 1, 2020.
  46. ^ Sherman, Rodger (April 28, 2016). "A'Shawn has always looked like a 47-year-old uncle". SBNation.com. Retrieved September 1, 2020.
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