Ex-Grambling coach Eddie Robinson has died

**SuckaInA3Piece** · 04.04.07, 05:20 AM

Not sure how many of you guys have watched Grambling football during coach Robinson's tenure, but I've followed him since I was a kid.

R.I.P. Coach

RUSTON, La. - Eddie Robinson, who sent more than 200 players to the NFL and won 408 games during a 57-year career, has died.

He was 88.

Super Bowl MVP quarterback Doug Williams, one of Robinson's former players, said the former Grambling State University coach died about 11:30 p.m. Tuesday. Robinson had been admitted to Lincoln General Hospital on Tuesday afternoon.

Robinson had been suffering from Alzheimer's, which was diagnosed shortly after he was forced to retire following the 1997 season, in which he won only three games. His health had been declining for years, and he had been in and out of a nursing home during the last year.

In his 57 years in football, Robinson set the standard for victories with a 408-165-15 record. John Gagliardi of St. John's, Minn., passed Robinson in 2003 and has 443 wins.

Robinson's teams had only eight losing seasons and won 17 Southwestern Athletic Conference titles and nine national black college championships.

He sent more than 200 players to the NFL, including seven first-round draft choices.

It was a career that spanned 11 presidents, several wars and the civil-rights movement. His den was packed with trophies, representing virtually every award a coach can win. He was inducted into every hall of fame for which he was eligible

**jeff spicoli** · 04.04.07, 05:35 AM

Everything I've always read about Coach Robinson was that he was not only a great coach, but a great man. R.I.P.

**billy007** · 04.04.07, 05:50 AM

I wonder if he ever had any professional coaching aspirations or if he was happy just to teach. Because if he'd wanted to coach pro, it's a shame that he never got the chance. But the work he did at Grambling was important. Rest in Peace, Coach.

**SuckaInA3Piece** · 04.04.07, 06:04 AM

Originally Posted by billy007

I wonder if he ever had any professional coaching aspirations or if he was happy just to teach. Because if he'd wanted to coach pro, it's a shame that he never got the chance. But the work he did at Grambling was important. Rest in Peace, Coach.

I'm sure he got offers, but some guys just love coaching the kids. It's what they do. I believe Coach Robinson was one of those guys.

**OLO** · 04.04.07, 06:59 PM

This is sad news. Great coach!!

RIP Eddie.

**chefcraig** · 04.05.07, 09:33 AM

Can someone answer a rather simple question for me? Why is it that the true Icons on this planet, the ones actually worth recognising for their selfless devotion to the betterment of those around them, are only acknowledged upon their death?

Here is a man who tirelessly strove for the equality of his brothers for years before there even was a fucking "civil rights movement". He established exibition games for black colleges featuring young atheletes that sold out YANKEE STADIUM, requiring his players to wear suits and act with dignity at all times.

The man stood strongly for the education of his players, stressing graduation, before sending over 200 players to the NFL. I could not give a shit about his winning record in light of this, yet he still managed to win over 400 games in a career spanning 57 years. How many of today's superstar athletes have slid through the college system into the ranks of the pro's without a degree, let alone with communicative skills?

In an era where looking at the sportspage is more like looking at a police blotter, mentors like this man are needed more than ever. However with today's attitude of winning at all cost, we may never truly see the likes of this gentleman again.

Indeed, we all are regrettably and sadly lesser for that fact.

R.I.P. Coach Rob. You'll be missed, and the world is diminished by your passing.