No player in the NFL has completely turned their fortune around quite like James Robinson has in the last few years. Born in Rockford, Illinois, the running back set IHSA career records posting 9,000+ yards as an attendee of Rockford Lutheran High School.
Making his way over to Illinois State nearby, Robinson played in 9 games as a freshman. However, he still finished with the third-most yards despite a calf injury forcing him to miss 3 games. After becoming the official starter the next year, he was a member of the first-team All-MVC due to his phenomenal play. The next year, he was even better, again earning the honor as a member of the first team as he eclipsed the 1,000-yard mark. His spectacular play also earned him a finalist place in the Walter Payton Award race. His senior year saw him post his best season as he was 1 yard shy of 1,900 yards. An FCS All-American honor was the consensus on him, while he also became a first-team All-Conference selection. Finishing with 4,444 rushing yards, James was second on the school’s all-time leaderboard.
While he went undrafted, he was signed hours later by the Jacksonville Jaguars as an undrafted free agent. That’s when his career trajectory made a seismic U-turn.
James Robinson’s Jersey Number
Throughout his career at Illinois State, where he said multiple records, Robinson wore the number 25. After making it into the NFL with the Jacksonville Jaguars, he chose to wear the number 30 throughout his rookie season. And, what a rookie season it was.
After barely making it onto the 53-man roster from training camp, he was immediately promoted to the starting running back position due to his spectacular play in the preseason. What started off as a cute story as he became the 4th undrafted rookie to start in week one, quickly became a Cinderella run for the ages. First, he set the record for most rushing yards by an undrafted rookie in week one. He continued his magical run throughout the season, eventually culminating in 1,000 yards total, a feat that had only been managed by three previous players. His total scrimmage yards were also the most for any rookie free agent in NFL history.
In preseason next year, James chose to return to 25. Another strong season in his sophomore year was, unfortunately, cut short due to an Achilles tendon tear during a matchup against the New York Jets. Sure enough, Robinson was traded to the same New York Jets, and Travis Etienne replaced him as a starter. A mediocre 2022 campaign would lead to Robinson signing a 2-year deal with the New England Patriots. However, concerns about his health led to the Patriots releasing James. Eventually, he made his way over to the New York Giants.
FAQs
A. After wearing the number 25 throughout his career, Robinson shifted to the number 30 during his Cinderella-esque run with the Jacksonville Jaguars. The next year, he again reverted back to the number 25 and has been wearing it since.
A. After concerns over his health forced the New England Patriots to release him, James Robinson signed a deal with the New York Giants.
A. A tad short for the physically gruesome running back position, James Robinson stands at five feet and 9 inches tall.
A. Born on August 9th, 1998 James Robinson just celebrated his 25th birthday.
