Beautiful struggle March 28, 2006By Kelan SmithNFL Europe Roger Robinson has made an early impact for the Galaxy. (waynepaulo.com) The first thing I noticed when I walked into Galaxy running back Roger Robinson’s hotel room, aside from the pictures of him and his wife on their wedding day, was the water filled to the top of his bathtub. “It’s an ice bath,” said Robinson, already anticipating what my first question for him would be. “I turned it into an ice bath so I can recover quickly and keep my legs fresh.” And so goes the life of a professional running back playing in the NFL Europe League. Roger Robinson grew up in sunny southern California with his mom, dad, three brothers, and one little sister. Growing up in a quiet, middle-class suburb, Roger attended Apple Valley High School where he starred on the football team. He rushed for 1,250 yards and scored 21 touchdowns in his final seven games, and signed with Utah State after his senior season came to a close. He spent two seasons at Utah State, establishing a school record for kickoff-return yardage in a season with 774 (22.8 average). “I was returning kicks, punts, and rotating at running back at Utah State,” said Robinson. “The coaching staff that was at Utah State wasn’t the same staff that brought me in, and they liked a bigger style running back for whatever reason. It just wasn’t a very good fit for me, so I ended up transferring to Northern Arizona University.” At NAU Robinson flourished, earning two-time All-Big Sky selection honors, rushing for 2,015 yards over two seasons (265 carries), with 14 touchdowns. Robinson finished his career at seventh on the Northern Arizona University career rushing list, recording 10 career 100-yard games. “After Fall of my senior year I went to Georgia to train for the NFL draft,” said Robinson. “About two minutes after the draft ended, the (Arizona) Cardinals offered to bring me in as a free agent. I signed with them as a free agent and spent all of last summer with them in training camp.” A sociology major with an emphasis in criminal justice, Robinson has always had the interest in helping people. “I’m a people person,” explained Robinson. “I like working with people, I like being around people, and I want to make a positive difference in people’s lives. I’ve always known that I wanted to go into law enforcement, and I figured that sociology and criminal justice would open the door for that pathway.” After a successful college career in academia and football, and a short stint in the Cardinals training camp, Robinson found himself outside of the NFL, trying to find a way back in. After being cut in Arizona, Robinson got himself a job at the bank. (waynepaulo.com) “After Cardinals training camp, I was released,” said Robinson. “They talked about placing me on the practice squad, but that fell through. To be honest, I was a little discouraged after that happened. The fact that I’m married put a little added pressure on me to get into the work force and see what I was going to do with my life.” The reflection left Robinson with the realization that it was time to get a job and start providing for himself and his wife. “I got a job at U.S. Bank, and was going to get a teaching job,” said Robinson. I was holding off on the whole law enforcement deal because the Cardinals expressed the very serious possibility that they were going to send me to Europe.” Life after football was eye opening for Robinson, but he believed that a higher power had the right plan for him. “It was definitely challenging, but I believe that everything happens for a reason and that God has a plan for your life,” said Robinson. He opens certain doors and closes others at certain times for whatever reason He has. My wife and I put our faith in God, and here we are.” Throughout the whole ordeal, Robinson says, his wife has been supportive of him. “I was trying to do so many different jobs at one time, and all these doors kept on closing,” said Robinson. “My wife kept on telling me that I was meant to play football. My wife and my family were so supportive of me, so I figured I would see what happens. God opened the door to go to Europe, and I was excited to have the opportunity to come play again, and get another chance to show what I can do.” In terms of football, Galaxy running backs coach J.J. Smith feels like Robinson is on the path to success. “My first impression of Roger was that he is very quick, fast, and had pretty good vision,” said Smith. “Each day in camp he took strides, getting better every day. He’s focused. He wants to get better, and I know his only desire is to make it (professionally).” This is the type of man Roger Robinson is. Hard working, honest, sincere; but most of all, intelligent. “He’s doing everything he can, and he’s very trustworthy,” said coach Smith. “I know he’s not going to do anything detrimental to his career. I can trust him. I know he’s going to be in his room resting, getting ready for the next day’s practice. He’s a very coachable player. He’s going to do everything he needs to do in order to be a better football player, and as a coach, that’s all you can ask for in a player.” Robinson is enjoying his time in Europe, and is trying to soak up everything his coaches teach him about football. “I think the fact that we have a great coaching staff that creates a real positive yet competitive environment makes this whole experience that much better,” said Robinson. Going into week three Roger Robinson is having a stellar 2006 NFLEL season, leading the league in 3 separate categories: rushing (49 carries for 253 yards), total yards from scrimmage (279 total yards), and combined net yards gained (253 rushing and 26 receiving). Robinson became just the second player in NFL Europe League history to open a season with back-to-back 100-yard rushing games during his team’s 31-14 defeat of the Hamburg Sea Devils, earned him NFLEL “offensive player of the week” honors. Even after all the notoriety and early season accolades, Robinson just wants to focus on getting better. “I just want to come out and be able to watch film this week and notice an improvement,” said Robinson. “That’s my goal each week. I want to see noticeable improvements each week and know that I got better. First and foremost, though, I want to get the win.” When asked about how it feels to be an offensive NFLEL league leader, a humble Robinson responded modestly. “It feels good right now, but it’s still real early. It’s only two games in to it, and we’ve still got eight games to go. If I’m on top after week ten, then I’ll feel real good.” Running back Roger Robinson and the rest of the Galaxy will meet Amsterdam head on in Amsterdam ArenA, at 7:00pm, on Saturday, April 1st.
No. That's his brother "Danger", Danger Will Robinson.
How do I sign up !!
