Rashard Robinson
{{Short description|American football player (born 1995)}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=January 2019}}
{{Infobox NFL biography
| name = Rashard Robinson
| image = Rashard Robinson.JPG
| alt =
| caption = Robinson with the San Francisco 49ers in 2016
| current_team =
| number =
| position = Cornerback
| birth_date = {{Birth date and age|1995|7|23|mf=y}}
| birth_place = Pompano Beach, Florida, U.S.
| height_ft = 6
| height_in = 2
| weight_lbs = 177
| high_school = Blanche Ely
(Pompano Beach, Florida)
| college = LSU
| draftyear = 2016
| draftround = 4
| draftpick = 133
| pastteams = * San Francisco 49ers ({{NFL Year|2016}}–{{NFL Year|2017}})
- New York Jets ({{NFL Year|2017}}–{{NFL Year|2018}})
- Dallas Cowboys ({{NFL Year|2020}})
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers ({{NFL Year|2021}})
- Saskatchewan Roughriders ({{CFL Year|2023}}–{{CFL Year|2024}})*
| status =
| cflstatus = American
| highlights =
| statweek =
| statseason =
| statlabel1 = Total tackles
| statvalue1 = 87
| statlabel2 = Forced fumbles
| statvalue2 = 1
| statlabel3 = Fumble recoveries
| statvalue3 = 2
| statlabel4 = Pass deflections
| statvalue4 = 15
| statlabel5 = Interceptions
| statvalue5 = 2
| pfr = RobiRa00
}}
Rashard Robinson (born July 23, 1995) is an American professional football cornerback. He played college football at LSU, and was selected by the San Francisco 49ers in the fourth round of the 2016 NFL draft. Robinson has also been a member of the New York Jets, Dallas Cowboys, and Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Early life
{{Expand section|date=June 2025}}
Robinson was born in Pompano Beach, Florida, where he attended Blanche Ely High School.{{Cite web |title=Rashard Robinson, 2013 Cornerback, Louisiana State |url=https://n.rivals.com/content/athletes/rashard-robinson-32863?view=pv |access-date=June 9, 2025 |website=Rivals.com}}
College career
Robinson attended Louisiana State University, where he played two seasons of college football for the LSU Tigers under head coach Les Miles. He recorded one interception and 30 tackles in 15 games.{{cite web|title=Rashard Robinson College Stats|url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/players/rashard-robinson-1.html|website=Sports-Reference.com|publisher=Sports Reference LLC|access-date=May 1, 2016}}
Robinson was suspended indefinitely from LSU's football team midway through the 2014 season due to a failed drug test and substandard academics.{{cite news|last1=Dellenger|first1=Ross|title=LSU cornerback Rashard Robinson remains suspended and won't play soon, says Les Miles|url=http://theadvocate.com/sports/10797629-123/lsu-cb-rashard-robinson-remains|access-date=May 1, 2016|work=The Advocate|date=November 10, 2014}}{{cite news|last1=Erickson|first1=Joel A.|title=Starting over: Former LSU cornerback Rashard Robinson is eager to get his professional career rolling|url=http://theadvocate.com/football/lsufootball/15632080-128/starting-over-former-lsu-cornerback-rashard-robinson-is-eager-to-get-his-professional-career-rolling|access-date=May 1, 2016|work=The Advocate|date=April 28, 2016|archive-date=May 1, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160501084810/http://theadvocate.com/football/lsufootball/15632080-128/starting-over-former-lsu-cornerback-rashard-robinson-is-eager-to-get-his-professional-career-rolling|url-status=dead}} After missing a semester, he was arrested in June 2015 for unauthorized entry into a teammate's apartment and was not allowed to re-enroll.{{cite news|last1=Dellenger|first1=Ross|title=Former LSU DB Rashard Robinson arrested and admitted to being in apartment belonging to QB Anthony Jennings|url=http://theadvocate.com/sports/lsu/13061567-128/former-lsu-db-rashard-robinson|access-date=May 1, 2016|work=The Advocate|date=July 31, 2015}}{{cite web|title=Rashard Robinson Draft Profile|url=http://www.nfl.com/draft/2016/profiles/rashard-robinson?id=2555546|website=NFL.com|publisher=NFL Enterprises LLC|access-date=May 1, 2016}} He returned to Florida and enrolled at Broward College in Fort Lauderdale, where he began training for the NFL Draft.
Professional career
=Pre-draft=
Coming out of LSU, Robinson was by the majority of NFL draft experts and scouts to be a fourth or fifth round pick. He received an invitation to the NFL combine and boasted he would run a 4.2 forty-yard dash. Robinson's performance was sub-par and he elected to skip the bench press and wasn't able to complete the short shuttle or three-cone drill after suffering a calf injury. On March 14, 2016, he attended LSU's Pro Day, but held a private workout afterwards due to his tumultuous past with the team. All 32 NFL teams were in attendance as Robinson opted to complete all of the combine and positional drills. He was able to shorten his times in the 40 (4.40), 20 (2.61), and 10-yard dash (1.60) from the combine. Robinson was ranked as the 16th best cornerback prospect in the draft by NFLDraftScout.com. NFL analysts and scouts cited his thin frame, off the field problems, spindly legs, and character concerns were cited as his top issues. Robinson was considered to be one of the top press corners in the draft and was described in scouting reports as a player with a long frame and great man coverage ability. He also has blazing straight line speed and explosiveness.{{cite web| title=*Rashard Robinson, DS #16 CB, LSU| url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171107022315/https://www.nfldraftscout.com/ratings/dsprofile.php?pyid=128030&draftyear=2016&genpos=CB| access-date=November 1, 2017| website=nfldraftscout.com}}
{{NFL predraft
| height ft = 6
| height in = 1 1/2
| weight = 171
| dash = 4.40
| ten split = 1.60
| twenty split = 2.61
| shuttle = 4.50
| cone drill = 7.29
| vertical = 35.5
| broad ft = 10
| broad in = 1
| bench = 5
| wonderlic =
| arm span = 32 1/4
| hand span = 9
| note = All values from NFL Combine/LSU's Pro Day{{Cite web |url=https://www.nfl.com/prospects/rashard-robinson/3200524f-4268-0485-1745-27d392dfc64a |title=Rashard Robinson Draft and Combine Prospect Profile |website=NFL.com |access-date=November 1, 2017}}{{Cite web |url=https://draftscout.com/dsprofile.php?PlayerId=128030&DraftYear=2016 |title=Rashard Robinson College Football Profile |website=DraftScout.com |access-date=February 2, 2025}}
}}
=San Francisco 49ers=
==2016==
The San Francisco 49ers selected Robinson in the fourth round (133rd overall) of the 2016 NFL draft.{{cite web|title=San Francisco 49ers Draft LSU CB Rashard Robinson|url=https://www.49ers.com/news/san-francisco-49ers-draft-lsu-cb-rashard-robinson-17093342|author=Fann, Joe|website=49ers.com|date=April 30, 2016|access-date=July 3, 2017}} He was one of three cornerbacks the 49ers selected in the 2016 NFL Draft, along with Will Redmond (third round) and Prince Charles Iworah (seventh round).{{Cite web |title=2016 NFL Draft Listing |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2016/draft.htm |access-date=2023-05-17 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}} On May 6, 2016, the 49ers signed Robinson to a four-year, $2.72 million contract a signing bonus of $383,393.{{cite web| title=Spotrac.com: Rashard Robinson contract| url=http://www.spotrac.com/nfl/new-york-jets/rashard-robinson-19087/| access-date=November 1, 2017| website=spotrac.com}}
He competed with Kenneth Acker, Keith Reaser, Dontae Johnson, Marcus Cromartie, Chris Davis, Will Redmond, and Prince Charles Iworah throughout training camp for a role as the backup cornerback. Head coach Chip Kelly named him the fifth cornerback on the depth chart to begin the season, behind Tramaine Brock, Jimmie Ward, Davis, and Johnson.{{cite web| title=Ourlads.com: San Francisco 49ers' depth chart: 10/01/2016| url=http://www.ourlads.com/nfldepthcharts/archive/188/SF| access-date=November 1, 2017| website=ourlads.com}}
He made his professional regular season debut during the 49ers' season-opening 28–0 victory over the Los Angeles Rams. The next game, he made his first career tackle during the 49ers' 27–46 loss to the Carolina Panthers. On October 2, 2016, Robinson earned the first start of his career in place of Jimmie Ward, who suffered a quad injury during a special teams play the week prior.{{cite web| title=Jimmie Ward Injury: Updates on 49ers CB's Quad and Return| url=https://www.bleacherreport.com/amp/2665825-jimmie-ward-injury-updates-on-49ers-cbs-quad-and-return.amp.html| website=bleacherreport.com| author=Rob Goldberg| date=September 25, 2016}}{{Dead link|date=June 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }} Robinson made five solo tackles and a season-high three pass deflections in his first start, as the 49ers lost 17–24 to the Dallas Cowboys. During Week 6 matchup against the Buffalo Bills, he made his third start and tied his season-high of five solo tackles as the 49ers lost 16–45. He left midway through the game after suffering a concussion. Robinson was forced to miss Weeks 9-10 after he suffered an MCL sprain.{{cite web| title=49ers dodge a bullet with Rashard Robinson's knee injury| url=https://www.ninerswire.usatoday.com/2016/10/24/49ers-dodge-a-bullet-with-rashard-robinsons-knee-injury/| website=ninerswire.com| author=Chris Biderman| date=October 24, 2016| access-date=November 1, 2017| archive-date=October 27, 2016| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161027220024/http://ninerswire.usatoday.com/2016/10/24/49ers-dodge-a-bullet-with-rashard-robinsons-knee-injury/| url-status=dead}} On December 24, 2016, Robinson made a solo tackle, deflected two passes, and had the first interception of his career after he picked off a pass attempt from Rams' quarterback Jared Goff in a 22–21 victory.{{Cite web |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/R/RobiRa00/gamelog/2016/ |title=Rashard Robinson 2016 Game Log |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en |access-date=November 1, 2017}} He finished his rookie season with a total of 28 combined tackles (25 solo), 8 pass deflections, and 1 interception in 14 games and 6 starts.{{cite web|title=NFL Player Profile: Rashard Robinson| url=http://www.nfl.com/player/rashardrobinson/2555546/profile| access-date=November 1, 2017| website=NFL.com}}
==2017==
Robinson entered training camp competing for one of the vacant starting cornerback jobs after Jimmie Ward was moved to free safety and Tramaine Brock was released following a domestic violence incident. He competed with Dontae Johnson, Keith Reaser, Ahkello Witherspoon, and K'Waun Williams throughout training camp. Head coach Kyle Shanahan named him the starting cornerback opposite Dontae Johnson to begin the {{NFL Year|2017}} season.{{cite web| title=Ourlads.com: San Francisco 49ers' depth chart: 08/01/2017| url=http://www.ourlads.com/nfldepthcharts/archive/198/SF| access-date=November 1, 2017| website=ourlads.com}}
Robinson started the 49ers' season-opener against the Panthers and recorded four combined tackles and recovered a fumble after forcing it from Christian McCaffrey in the fourth quarter in a 3–23 loss.{{cite web|url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201709100sfo.htm|title=Carolina Panthers at San Francisco 49ers - September 10th, 2017|work=Pro-Football-Reference.com|access-date=October 7, 2017}} During a Week 4 contest against the Arizona Cardinals, he recorded a season-high six solo tackles and a season-high four pass deflections, as the 49ers lost in overtime 15–18. On October 15, 2017, Robinson recorded two combined tackles, defended a pass, and intercepted a pass attempt from Washington Redskins' quarterback Kirk Cousins, during a 24–26 loss.{{Cite web |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201710150was.htm |title=San Francisco 49ers at Washington Redskins - October 15th, 2017 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en |access-date=November 1, 2017}}
=New York Jets=
On October 31, 2017, Robinson was traded to the New York Jets in exchange for a fifth round pick in the 2018 NFL draft.{{cite web|title=Niners trade Rashard Robinson to New York Jets|url=https://www.nfl.com/news/niners-trade-rashard-robinson-to-new-york-jets-0ap3000000870483|author=Lewis, Edward|website=NFL.com|date=October 31, 2017}} The Jets traded for Robinson to provide depth to a cornerback corps after Buster Skrine suffered a concussion, Morris Claiborne was unable to practice due to a foot injury, and Xavier Coleman was placed on injured/reserve for the remainder of the season with a shoulder injury.{{cite web| title=Jets, decimated by injury at CB, trade for 49ers Rashard Robinson| url=https://www.northjersey.com/amp/819640001| author=Andy Vazquez| access-date=November 1, 2017| website=northjersey.com| date=October 31, 2017}}
On July 25, 2018, Robinson was suspended the first four games of 2018 for violating the NFL Policy and Program for Substances of Abuse.{{cite web|title=Rashard Robinson Suspended by NFL|url=https://www.newyorkjets.com/news/rashard-robinson-suspended-by-nfl|website=NewYorkJets.com|date=July 25, 2018}} On May 10, 2019, Robinson was released by the Jets.{{cite web|title=Jets Waive Three Players|url=https://www.newyorkjets.com/news/jets-waive-three-players|author=Allen, Eric|website=NewYorkJets.com|date=May 10, 2019}} He was suspended for the first 10 weeks of the 2019 NFL season for violating the league's substance abuse policy on July 17, 2019.{{cite news |author=Reardon, Logan |title=Free agent Rashard Robinson suspended for 10 games |url=https://www.nfl.com/news/free-agent-rashard-robinson-suspended-for-10-games-0ap3000001036107 |website=NFL.com |date=July 17, 2019 |access-date=November 4, 2019}} He was reinstated from suspension on March 19, 2020.{{cite news |author=Bouda, Nate |title=Free Agent CB Rashard Robinson Reinstated From Suspension |url=https://nfltraderumors.co/free-agent-cb-rashard-robinson-reinstated-from-suspension/ |website=NFLTradeRumors.co |date=March 19, 2020 |access-date=May 3, 2020}}
=Dallas Cowboys=
On September 15, 2020, Robinson was signed to the practice squad of the Dallas Cowboys.{{cite web|title=Brandon Carr, LB, OT Signed To Roster; 3 To IR|url=https://www.dallascowboys.com/news/brandon-carr-lb-ot-signed-to-roster-3-to-ir|author=Phillips, Rob|website=DallasCowboys.com|date=September 15, 2020}} He was placed on the practice squad/injured list on October 24,{{cite news |title=Rashard Robinson: Dealing with injury |url=https://www.cbssports.com/fantasy/football/news/rashard-robinson-dealing-with-injury/ |website=CBSSports.com |date=October 24, 2020 |access-date=November 6, 2020}} and restored to the practice squad on November 18.{{cite tweet |user=DallasCowboysPR |title=The @dallascowboys had the following transactions on Wednesday, cont.:- Signed DE Breeland Speaks (Mississippi) to the practice squad- Restored CB Rashard Robinson (LSU) from the practice squad reserve/injured list to the practice squad |number=1329130538548989955 |date=November 18, 2020 |accessdate=December 25, 2020}} He was elevated to the active roster on November 21 and November 26 for the team's weeks 11 and 12 games against the Minnesota Vikings and Washington Football Team, and reverted to the practice squad after each game.{{cite news |author=Henry, Asa |title=Cowboys activate OT Brandon Knight, add Tyler Biadasz to IR |url=https://cowboyswire.usatoday.com/2020/11/21/dallas-cowboys-week-11-roster-moves-brandon-knight-tyler-biadasz-rashard-robinson-adam-redmond/ |website=USAToday.com |date=November 21, 2020 |access-date=December 27, 2020}}{{cite news |title=Nov. 29 Updates |url=https://www.dallascowboys.com/news/updates-november-2020 |website=DallasCowboys.com |date=November 29, 2020 |access-date=January 1, 2021}} He was promoted to the active roster on December 7, 2020.{{cite news |title=Cowboys All-Pro Zack Martin goes to IR, out at least 3 games |url=https://apnews.com/article/nfl-rashard-robinson-dallas-anthony-brown-football-adf89a7ffe14b512fa8184e214145145 |website=APNews.com |date=December 7, 2020 |access-date=January 14, 2021}} Robinson was suspended by the NFL on April 20, 2021, for the first two games of the 2021 season for violating the league's performance-enhancing drug policy.{{cite news |author=Smith, Michael David |title=Cowboys' Rashard Robinson suspended two games |url=https://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2021/04/20/cowboys-rashard-robinson-suspended-two-games/ |website=NBCSports.com |date=April 20, 2021 |access-date=April 20, 2021}} He was released by the Cowboys on July 17, 2021.{{cite news |title=Dallas Cowboys release cornerback Rashard Robinson ahead of training camp |url=https://www.dallasnews.com/sports/cowboys/2021/07/17/dallas-cowboys-release-cornerback-rashard-robinson-ahead-of-training-camp/ |website=DallasNews.com |date=July 17, 2021 |access-date=July 22, 2021}}
=Tampa Bay Buccaneers=
After serving his two-game suspension, Robinson signed with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers' practice squad on September 20, 2021.{{cite web|title=Bucs Restock Practice Squad with WR Hurst, CB Robinson|url=https://www.buccaneers.com/news/bucs-restock-practice-squad-wr-hurst-cb-robinson-roster-move|author=Smith, Scott|website=Buccaneers.com|date=September 21, 2021}} He was promoted to the active roster on October 19.{{cite web|title=Bucs Promote Rashard Robinson to Active Roster|url=https://www.buccaneers.com/news/bucs-promote-rashard-robinson-active-roster-jaydon-mickens-practice-squad-moves|author=Smith, Scott|website=Buccaneers.com|date=October 19, 2021}} He was placed on injured reserve on November 12, after suffering a hamstring injury in practice.{{cite web|title=CB Rashard Robinson Heads to IR|url=https://www.buccaneers.com/news/bucs-place-cornerback-rashard-robinson-injured-reserve-roster-moves|author=Smith, Scott|website=Buccaneers.com|date=November 12, 2021}} He was activated on December 24.{{cite web|title=Bucs Activate Rashard Robinson, Justin Watson|url=https://www.buccaneers.com/news/bucs-activate-rashard-robinson-justin-watson-roster-move|author=Smith, Scott|website=Buccaneers.com|date=December 24, 2021|access-date=December 24, 2021|archive-date=May 22, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220522161945/https://www.buccaneers.com/news/bucs-activate-rashard-robinson-justin-watson-roster-move|url-status=dead}} He was waived on January 15, 2022 and re-signed to the practice squad.{{cite web|title=Lavonte David, Giovani Bernard Return from Injured Reserve Ahead of Wild Card Matchup|url=https://www.buccaneers.com/news/bucs-activate-lavonte-david-giovani-bernard-injured-reserve-roster-moves|website=Buccaneers.com|date=January 15, 2022}} After the Buccaneers were eliminated in the Divisional Round of the 2021 playoffs, he signed a reserve/future contract on January 24.{{cite web|url=https://www.buccaneers.com/news/bucs-retain-10-practice-squad-players-futures-contracts-roster-moves|work=Buccaneers.com|title=Bucs Retain 10 Practice Squad Players with Futures Contracts|date=January 24, 2022|accessdate=January 24, 2022|first=Scott|last=Smith}} On August 30, 2022, Robinson was placed on injured reserve.{{cite web|title=Tyler Johnson Among Cuts as Bucs Get to 53|url=https://www.buccaneers.com/news/bucs-final-roster-cuts-53-man-2022|author=Smith, Scott|website=Buccaneers.com|date=August 30, 2022}} He was released on September 2.{{Cite web |last=Easterling |first=Luke |date=2022-09-03 |title=Bucs reach injury settlement with CB Rashard Robinson |url=https://bucswire.usatoday.com/2022/09/02/nfl-news-tampa-bay-buccaneers-rashard-robinson-injury-settlement/ |access-date=2023-04-03 |website=Bucs Wire |language=en-US}}
= Saskatchewan Roughriders =
On March 31, 2023, Robinson signed with the Saskatchewan Roughriders of the Canadian Football League (CFL).{{Cite web |date=2023-03-31 |title=Riders Add Former NFL Defensive Back Rashard Robinson |url=https://www.riderville.com/2023/03/31/riders-add-former-nfl-defensive-back-rashard-robinson/ |access-date=2023-04-03 |website=Saskatchewan Roughriders |language=en}} He was placed on the reserve/suspended list on May 14, 2024,{{cite web | url=https://www.footballdb.com/players/rashard-robinson-robinra05/transactions | title=Rashard Robinson | publisher=Footballdb.com | accessdate=15 August 2024}} and remained there until February 11, 2025, when he became a free agent at the end of his CFL contract.
Legal troubles
Robinson was suspended indefinitely from LSU's football team midway through the 2014 season due to a failed drug test and substandard academics. After missing a semester, he was arrested in June 2015 for unauthorized entry into a teammate's apartment and was not allowed to re-enroll. He returned to Florida and enrolled at Broward College in Fort Lauderdale, where he began training for the NFL Draft. On January 10, 2018, Robinson was arrested for possessing marijuana-laced candy.{{Cite web |title=Jets' Rashard Robinson arrested with pot-laced candy |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/redskins/jets-rashard-robinson-arrested-with-pot-laced-candy/2018/01/09/40c08092-f58f-11e7-9af7-a50bc3300042_story.html |website=Washington Post}}{{dead link|date=June 2021|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}} On July 25, 2018, Robinson was suspended for four games as a result of these prior arrests.{{Cite web |date=July 25, 2018 |title=Rashard Robinson Suspended by NFL |url=https://www.newyorkjets.com/news/rashard-robinson-suspended-by-nfl |access-date=2023-12-29 |website=NewYorkJets.com}}
References
{{Reflist}}
External links
- [http://www.lsusports.net/ViewArticle.dbml?ATCLID=206273268 LSU Tigers bio] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160413144745/http://www.lsusports.net/ViewArticle.dbml?ATCLID=206273268 |date=April 13, 2016 }}
- {{commons category-inline}}
{{49ers2016DraftPicks}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Robinson, Rashard}}
Category:American football cornerbacks
Category:Blanche Ely High School alumni
Category:Dallas Cowboys players
Category:LSU Tigers football players
Category:New York Jets players
Category:Players of American football from Pompano Beach, Florida
Category:San Francisco 49ers players
Category:Tampa Bay Buccaneers players
Category:Broward College alumni