James Robinson (running back)

Robinson was born and grew up in Rockford, Illinois. He attended Rockford Lutheran High School, where he played basketball and football. As a senior, he rushed 2,461 yards and 44 touchdowns and was named Class 4A All-State.{{Cite web |last=Reinhardt |first=Randy |date=February 2, 2016 |title=Record-setting rusher Robinson picks ISU |url=https://www.pantagraph.com/sports/college/football/record-setting-rusher-robinson-picks-isu/article_31dcedc3-5200-536f-bb78-9798784621ad.html |access-date=October 4, 2020 |website=The Pantagraph}} Robinson set IHSA career records with 9,045 rushing yards and 158 rushing touchdowns.{{Cite web |last=Reinhardt |first=Randy |date=October 10, 2018 |title=Illinois State turns to 'closer' Robinson for late yards |url=https://www.pantagraph.com/sports/college/football/illinois-state-turns-to-closer-robinson-for-late-yards/article_3d5a9311-c165-5d36-ab85-2b19e46d1476.html |access-date=April 26, 2020 |website=The Pantagraph}}

Robinson played in nine games as a true freshman in 2016, missing three games due to a calf injury and finishing the season as the Redbirds third-leading rusher with 322 yards and two touchdowns on 63 carries.{{Cite web |last=Landi |first=Nick |date=July 13, 2017 |title=Robinson looks to stand out, build own legacy |url=http://www.videtteonline.com/sports/robinson-looks-to-stand-out-build-own-legacy/article_8c8aacf6-664b-11e7-af35-0fe1442fea6a.html |access-date=April 26, 2020 |website=The Vidette}} He became the team's starting running back as a sophomore and was named first-team All-Missouri Valley Football Conference (MVFC) after rushing for 933 yards and 12 touchdowns.{{Cite web |last=Taft |first=Jay |date=November 29, 2017 |title=James Robinson, Sean Slattery earn 1st-team MVC honors |url=https://www.rrstar.com/sports/20171129/james-robinson-sean-slattery-earn-1st-team-mvc-honors |access-date=April 26, 2020 |website=Rockford Register Star }}{{Dead link|date=September 2024 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }} Robinson rushed for 1,290 yards and 12 touchdowns in his junior season and was again named first-team All-MVFC as well as a first-team All-American by Phil Steele, a second-team All-American by STATS and HERO Sports and to the Associated Press's third-team and was a finalist for the Walter Payton Award.{{Cite web |last=Reinhardt |first=Randy |date=August 30, 2019 |title=ISU star RB James Robinson storms into senior season |url=https://www.pantagraph.com/sports/college/football/isu-star-rb-james-robinson-storms-into-senior-season/article_ed24046d-d6d4-586f-b00a-2ac0bfe3513a.html |access-date=April 26, 2020 |website=The Pantagraph}}{{Cite web |date=December 12, 2018 |title=Former Lutheran running back James Robinson named AP All-American |url=http://rockrivertimes.com/2018/12/12/former-lutheran-running-back-james-robinson-named-ap-all-american-at-isu/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190821100325/http://rockrivertimes.com/2018/12/12/former-lutheran-running-back-james-robinson-named-ap-all-american-at-isu/ |archive-date=August 21, 2019 |access-date=April 26, 2020 |website=Rock River Times}}{{Cite web |last=Leber |first=Scott |date=August 7, 2019 |title=A national spotlight is being cast on Rockford Lutheran graduate James Robinson at Illinois State |url=https://www.mystateline.com/sports/a-national-spotlight-is-being-cast-on-rockford-lutheran-graduate-james-robinson-at-illinois-state/ |access-date=April 26, 2020 |website=MyStateline.com}} As a senior, he rushed for 1,899 yards and 18 touchdowns and was a consensus first-team FCS All-American and a first-team All-Conference selection for the third straight season.{{Cite web |last=Fishbain |first=Kevin |date=February 27, 2020 |title=James Robinson reps Rockford at NFL combine, and other Chicago connections |url=https://theathletic.com/1638553/2020/02/27/james-robinson-reps-rockford-at-nfl-combine-and-other-chicago-connections/ |access-date=April 26, 2020 |website=The Athletic}} Robinson finished his collegiate career with 4,444 rushing yards, second most in school history.{{Cite web |last=Taft |first=Jay |date=April 22, 2020 |title=Why James Robinson should hear his name called at NFL draft |url=https://www.journalstandard.com/sports/20200422/why-james-robinson-should-hear-his-name-called-at-nfl-draft |access-date=April 26, 2020 |website=The Journal Standard |archive-date=April 23, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200423204950/https://www.journalstandard.com/sports/20200422/why-james-robinson-should-hear-his-name-called-at-nfl-draft |url-status=dead }}

{{NFL predraft

| height ft = 5

| height in = 9

| weight = 219

| dash = 4.64

| ten split = 1.61

| twenty split = 2.71

| shuttle = 4.19

| cone drill = 7.03

| vertical = 40.0

| broad ft = 10

| broad in = 5

| bench = 24

| arm span = 29 5/8

| hand span = 8 3/4

| wonderlic =

| note = All values from NFL Combine{{Cite web |last=Zierlein |first=Lance |title=James Robinson Combine Profile |url=https://www.nfl.com/prospects/james-robinson/3219524f-4252-1367-7b21-7f5516b913bf |access-date=September 7, 2020 |website=NFL.com}}

}}

File:Jacksonville jaguars offense DEC2020.png in 2020.]]

Robinson signed with the Jacksonville Jaguars as an undrafted free agent on April 27, 2020, shortly after the conclusion of the 2020 NFL draft.{{Cite web |date=April 25, 2020 |title=Rockford's James Robinson signs with Jaguars as a priority free agent |url=https://www.wifr.com/content/sports/Rockfords-James-Robinson-signs-with-Jaguars-as-p-569956721.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200922201814/https://www.wifr.com/content/sports/Rockfords-James-Robinson-signs-with-Jaguars-as-p-569956721.html |archive-date=September 22, 2020 |access-date=April 26, 2020 |website=WIFR.com}} Robinson made the Jaguars' 53-man regular season roster out of training camp and was announced as the team's starting running back several days later.{{Cite web |last=Leber, Scott |date=September 5, 2020 |title=Rockford Lutheran graduate James Robinson makes the Jaguars' final 53-man roster |url=https://www.mystateline.com/nfl/rockford-lutheran-graduate-james-robinson-makes-the-jaguars-final-53-man-roster/ |access-date=September 6, 2020 |website=MyStateline.com}}{{Cite web |last=Florio |first=Mike |date=September 8, 2020 |title=Undrafted rookie James Robinson is the starting tailback in Jacksonville |url=https://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2020/09/08/undrafted-rookie-james-robinson-is-the-starting-tailback-in-jacksonville/ |access-date=September 9, 2020 |website=Profootballtalk.com |publisher=NBC Sports}}

Robinson made his NFL debut in Week 1 of the 2020 season against the Indianapolis Colts. He recorded 16 carries for 62 rushing yards and a reception in which he leapt over Colts safety Khari Willis for 28 receiving yards in the 27–20 victory.{{Cite web |title=Indianapolis Colts at Jacksonville Jaguars – September 13th, 2020 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/202009130jax.htm |access-date=September 18, 2020 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}} Robinson became the fourth undrafted rookie running back to start week one since 1970, and set the record for most rushing yards for an undrafted rookie in Week 1. He became the first running back from Illinois State to start a game since Aveion Cason in 2006.{{Cite web |title=Illinois St. Players/Alumni |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/schools/illinoisst/index.htm |access-date=September 28, 2020 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}} A week later, on September 20, 2020, Robinson tallied 120 all-purpose yards and scored his first career touchdown in a 33–30 loss to the Tennessee Titans.{{Cite web |date=September 20, 2020 |title=Jaguars' James Robinson: Scores first career TD |url=https://www.cbssports.com/fantasy/football/news/jaguars-james-robinson-scores-first-career-td/ |access-date=September 22, 2020 |website=CBSSports.com}} In Week 3, against the Miami Dolphins on Thursday Night Football, he had 129 scrimmage yards and two rushing touchdowns in the 31–13 loss.{{Cite web |title=Miami Dolphins at Jacksonville Jaguars – September 24th, 2020 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/202009240jax.htm |access-date=September 25, 2020 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}}

On October 1, 2020, Robinson was named the NFL Offensive Rookie of the Month for his performance in September.{{Cite web |last=Gordon |first=Grant |date=October 1, 2020 |title=Seahawks QB Russell Wilson, Bills QB Josh Allen among NFL Players of the Month |url=https://www.nfl.com/news/seahawks-qb-russell-wilson-bills-qb-josh-allen-among-nfl-players-of-the-month |access-date=October 1, 2020 |website=www.nfl.com}} In Week 7 against the Los Angeles Chargers, he had 22 carries for 119 rushing yards and one rushing touchdown to go along with four receptions for 18 receiving yards and one receiving touchdown in the 39–29 loss.{{Cite web |title=Jacksonville Jaguars at Los Angeles Chargers – October 25th, 2020 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/202010250sdg.htm |access-date=October 29, 2020 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}} In Week 10, against the Green Bay Packers, he had 23 carries for 109 rushing yards in the 24–20 loss.{{Cite web |title=Jacksonville Jaguars at Green Bay Packers – November 15th, 2020 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/202011150gnb.htm |access-date=November 20, 2020 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}} In Week 12, against the Cleveland Browns, he had 22 carries for 128 rushing yards and one rushing touchdown to go along with five receptions for 31 receiving yards in the 27–25 loss.{{Cite web |title=Cleveland Browns at Jacksonville Jaguars – November 29th, 2020 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/202011290jax.htm |access-date=December 1, 2020 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}}

Robinson is the fourth undrafted player in NFL history to rush for 1,000 yards in his rookie season, following Dominic Rhodes, LeGarrette Blount, and Phillip Lindsay.{{Cite web |date=December 14, 2020 |title=Jaguars RB James Robinson becomes fastest undrafted rookie to top 1,000 yards rushing in NFL history |url=https://www.ballysports.com/florida-sun/news/jaguars-rb-james-robinson-becomes-fastest-undrafted-rookie-to-top-1-000-3726447 |access-date=January 28, 2023 |website=Bally Sports |language=en |agency=Associated Press}} He also finished with the record for most scrimmage yards of any rookie free agent in NFL history.{{Cite web |last=Sullivan |first=Tyler |date=December 14, 2020 |title=Jaguars' James Robinson makes NFL history for an undrafted rookie, Doug Marrone praises back after Week 14 |url=https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/jaguars-james-robinson-makes-nfl-history-for-an-undrafted-rookie-doug-marrone-praises-back-after-week-14/ |access-date=May 11, 2021 |website=CBSSports.com}} He was named to the PFWA All-Rookie Team.{{Cite web |title=2020 NFL All-Rookie Team |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/awards/nfl-all-rookie-2020.htm |access-date=2024-07-27 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}} Robinson was ranked 100th on the NFL Top 100 Players of 2021 list.{{Cite web |title=2021 NFL Top 100 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/awards/2021-nfl-top-100.htm |access-date=January 28, 2023 |website=Pro Football Reference}}

Against the New York Jets in Week 16 of the 2021 season, Robinson tore his Achilles tendon in the first quarter, ending his season.{{Cite web |last=Reid |first=John |date=December 24, 2021 |title=Jaguars RB James Robinson suffers season-ending torn Achilles injury |url=https://www.jacksonville.com/story/sports/nfl/2021/12/24/jaguars-place-starters-josh-allen-laviska-shenault-and-ben-bartch-covid-19-list/9009287002/ |access-date=June 14, 2023 |website=The Florida Times-Union |language=en-US}} He finished the season with 767 rushing yards and eight touchdowns through 14 games.{{Cite web |title=James Robinson 2021 Game Log |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/R/RobiJa00/gamelog/2021/ |access-date=January 28, 2023 |website=Pro Football Reference}}

On October 25, 2022, Robinson was traded to the Jets in exchange for a conditional sixth-round pick following an ACL injury to Breece Hall that cut his 2022 season short.{{Cite web |last=Greenberg |first=Ethan |date=October 25, 2022 |title=Jets Trade for RB James Robinson |url=https://www.newyorkjets.com/news/jets-jaguars-trade-rb-james-robinson |access-date=October 25, 2022 |website=NewYorkJets.com}} It came as 2021 first-round pick Travis Etienne replaced him as the starter in Jacksonville.{{Cite web |last=Stites |first=Adam |date=October 27, 2022 |title=Travis Etienne: James Robinson 'hid some of the flaws in my game' |url=https://jaguarswire.usatoday.com/2022/10/27/travis-etienne-james-robinson-jaguars/ |access-date=October 26, 2023 |website=Jaguars Wire |publisher=USA Today |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |last=Smits |first=Garry |date=October 23, 2022 |title=Hard to be happy: Travis Etienne said reaching NFL milestones meaningless without a win |url=https://www.jacksonville.com/story/sports/nfl/2022/10/23/jaguars-travis-etienne-said-reaching-goals-meaningless-without-win/10489693002/ |access-date=October 26, 2023 |website=The Florida Times-Union |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |last=Shipley |first=John |date=October 24, 2022 |title=Jaguars Trade Robinson: 3 Observation As Etienne Takes Over Backfield |url=https://www.si.com/nfl/jaguars/news/jaguars-trade-james-robinson-3-observations-as-travis-etienne-takes-over-backfield |access-date=October 26, 2023 |website=Sports Illustrated |language=en}} Robinson only played in four games the rest of the season for the Jets. On the 2022 season, Robinson had 110 carries for 425 rushing yards and three rushing touchdowns to go along with 11 receptions for 51 receiving yards and two receiving touchdowns.{{Cite web |title=James Robinson 2022 Game Log |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/R/RobiJa00/gamelog/2022/ |access-date=January 28, 2023 |website=Pro Football Reference}}

On March 17, 2023, Robinson signed a two-year, $8 million contract with the New England Patriots.{{Cite web |date=March 17, 2023 |title=Patriots Sign Three Free Agents |url=https://www.patriots.com/news/patriots-sign-three-free-agents |access-date=March 19, 2023 |website=Patriots.com}} He was considered a possible short-yardage replacement for the departing Damien Harris, who had signed with the Buffalo Bills. However, on June 12, Robinson was released by the Patriots.{{Cite web |last=Alper |first=Josh |date=June 12, 2023 |title=Patriots cut James Robinson |url=https://www.nbcsports.com/nfl/profootballtalk/rumor-mill/news/patriots-cut-james-robinson |access-date=October 26, 2023 |website=NBC Sports |language=en-US}} It was later reported that the team had concerns about his health and the deal had contingencies should Robinson fail a physical.{{Cite web |last=McElroy |first=Jordy |date=June 17, 2023 |title=Is this the reason RB James Robinson was cut by Patriots? |url=https://sports.yahoo.com/reason-rb-james-robinson-cut-125402168.html |access-date=October 26, 2023 |website=Yahoo! Sports |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |last=Reno |first=Harrison |date=June 17, 2023 |title=Did Injury Cause Patriots Release of James Robinson? |url=https://www.si.com/nfl/patriots/news/new-england-patriots-release-james-robinson-injury-concerns-news-update |access-date=October 25, 2023 |website=Sports Illustrated |language=en}}

On July 21, 2023, Robinson signed with the New York Giants.{{Cite web |last=Citak |first=Matt |date=July 22, 2023 |title=Giants add running back James Robinson |url=https://www.giants.com/news/james-robinson-running-back-jacksonville-jaguars-new-york-jets-illinois-state |access-date=October 26, 2023 |website=Giants.com}} He was released on August 27, 2023.{{Cite web |last=Salomone |first=Dan |date=August 27, 2023 |title=Giants make series of transactions ahead of NFL roster deadline |url=https://www.giants.com/news/roster-transactions-nfl-deadline-bryce-ford-wheaton-collin-johnson |access-date=October 26, 2023 |website=Giants.com}}

On October 17, 2023, the Green Bay Packers signed Robinson to their practice squad.{{Cite web |date=October 17, 2023 |title=Packers sign RB James Robinson, CB Anthony Johnson to practice squad |url=https://www.packers.com/news/packers-sign-rb-james-robinson-cb-anthony-johnson-to-practice-squad |access-date=October 26, 2023 |website=Packers.com}} He was released on November 6.{{Cite web |date=November 6, 2023 |title=Packers sign RB Ellis Merriweather to practice squad |url=https://www.packers.com/news/packers-sign-rb-ellis-merriweather-to-practice-squad |access-date=November 6, 2023 |website=Packers.com}} He was signed to the practice squad again on November 20, and signed to the active roster two days later.{{Cite web |date=November 20, 2023 |title=Packers sign RB Patrick Taylor to active roster |url=https://www.packers.com/news/packers-sign-rb-patrick-taylor-to-active-roster-nov-20-2023 |access-date=November 30, 2023 |website=Packers.com}}{{Cite web |date=November 22, 2023 |title=Packers sign WR Bo Melton, RB James Robinson to active roster |url=https://www.packers.com/news/packers-sign-wr-bo-melton-rb-james-robinson-to-active-roster-2023 |access-date=November 22, 2023 |website=Packers.com}} He was released on November 27.{{Cite web |date=November 27, 2023 |title=Packers announce roster moves |url=https://www.packers.com/news/packers-announce-roster-moves-nov-27-2023 |access-date=November 30, 2023 |website=Packers.com}} He was re-signed to the practice squad on November 29, 2023.{{Cite web |date=November 29, 2023 |title=Packers sign WR Bo Melton, RB James Robinson to the practice squad |url=https://www.packers.com/news/packers-sign-wr-bo-melton-rb-james-robinson-to-the-practice-squad-nov-29-2023 |access-date=November 30, 2023 |website=Packers.com |language=en-US}} He was released again on December 5, 2023.{{Cite web |date=December 5, 2023 |title=Packers claim CB David Long Jr. off waivers from Panthers |url=https://www.packers.com/news/packers-claim-cb-david-long-jr-off-waivers-from-panthers |access-date=2024-10-25 |website=Packers.com}}

On December 13, 2023, the New Orleans Saints signed Robinson to their practice squad.{{Cite web |date=December 13, 2023 |title=New Orleans Saints sign RB James Robinson to practice squad |url=https://www.neworleanssaints.com/news/james-robinson-running-back-new-orleans-saints-practice-squad-roster-moves |access-date=2024-10-25 |website=NewOrleansSaints.com}} Following the end of the 2023 regular season, the Saints signed him to a reserve/future contract on January 8, 2024.{{cite web|url=https://www.neworleanssaints.com/news/new-orleans-saints-sign-11-to-reserve-future-contracts|title=New Orleans Saints sign 11 to reserve/future contracts|date=January 8, 2024|accessdate=January 9, 2024|work=NewOrleansSaints.com}} On August 27, 2024, the Saints released Robinson.{{Cite web |last=Trottier |first=Jeremy |date=2024-08-27 |title=Saints part ways with running backs James Robinson and Jacob Kibodi |url=https://saintswire.usatoday.com/2024/08/27/saints-roster-cuts-running-backs-james-robinson-nfl-jacob-kibodi/ |access-date=2024-08-28 |website=Saints Wire|publisher=USA Today |language=en-US}}

{{Reflist}}

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• [https://goredbirds.com/sports/football/roster/james-robinson/6388 Illinois State Redbirds bio]

{{DEFAULTSORT:Robinson, James}}

Category:1998 births

Category:Living people

Category:Players of American football from Rockford, Illinois

Category:American football running backs

Category:Illinois State Redbirds football players

Category:Jacksonville Jaguars players

Category:New England Patriots players

Category:New York Giants players

Category:New York Jets players

Category:Green Bay Packers players

Category:New Orleans Saints players