Over the late Eddie G. Robinson’s 57 seasons at Grambling, he won 408 college football games, the most games ever among Division I coaches, and sent over 200 players to the National Football League, including the only Super Bowl XXII MVP Doug Williams.
As a result, he became the most decorated coach in all of college football.
His status is so prestigious that there are several awards and trophies named after him including the Coach of the Year award among major colleges.
As great of an influence Robinson had in coaching college football, his influence he had in the real world was just as great. When the legendary coach died in 2007, the values he instilled in people lived on.
Keifer “Block” Phillips said in remembrance of the legend’s death, that he learned pride, humbleness, commitment, and class while playing under Robinson. Phillips played for Robinson in 1992-94.
Joseph Williams, also shared special comments after the legend’s death.
“One thing that most definitely stayed with me is when he told us about the first law of nature – self- preservation. And if you don’t prepare yourself for life, that life will slap the hell out of you. … I am thankful to Coach Rob for encouraging me to become a graduate of GSU.” Williams played outside line backer for Robinson in 1983-87.
Coach Robinson’s influences not only rubbed of on athletes, but regular scholars benefited from the morals and character of Coach Rob.
Former The Gramblinite sports editor from 1991 Vernon Cheek, who now works for CBS wrote after Robinson’s death, “His patience and intellect served as a guide for me in dealing numerous companies that helped our department (Mass Communication).”
Some of the companies Cheek dealt with included Gatorade, Oakley, Sunglasses, Ryan’s, Steakhouse, Louisiana Lottery, Southwest Airlines and the Tom Joyner Morning Show.
Robinson was not only an avid teacher of the game of football, but he also advocated hard work, determination, motivation, and all the things that it takes to be successful on and off the field.
The late, great Eddie Robinson may not be alive, but he is still here.
His contributions he made in this world would never be forgotten.
The heights he has taken Grambling State University will never go unnoticed.
If anyone wants to remind themselves of the principles Eddie Rob injected into the minds of those he influenced, you can take a trip to the Eddie G. Robinson Museum located on GSU’s campus.
This landmark has all the rich history and numerous accomplishments of the legendary coach.
Any visit to the museum is free and regular operating hours are from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Tuesday through Thursday, and Friday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Extended hours for home football game weekends are on Friday Sept. 27 and Nov. 1 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Saturday on Sept. 28 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Saturday Oct. 26 and Nov. 2 9 a.m. to noon.