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Eddie Robinson Obituary
The soft-spoken coach spent nearly 60 years at Grambling State University, where he set a standard for victories with 408 wins and nearly every season saw his top players drafted by NFL teams.
Doug Williams, a Super Bowl MVP quarterback was one of them. Williams said Robinson died shortly before midnight Tuesday. Robinson had been admitted to Lincoln General Hospital on Tuesday afternoon.
"For the Grambling family this is a very emotional time," Williams said Wednesday. "But I'm thinking about Eddie Robinson the man, not in today-time, but in the day and what he meant to me and to so many people."
Robinson's career spanned 11 presidents, several wars and the civil-rights movement. His older records are what people will remember: In 57 years, Robinson compiled a 408-165-15. Until John Gagliardi of St. John's, Minn., topped Robinson's victory mark four years ago, Robinson was known as the winningest coach in all of college football.
"The real record I have set for over 50 years is the fact that I have had one job and one wife," Robinson said.
More than 200 of his players went on to play in the NFL.
Copyright © 2007 The Associated Press
1844 Entries
Valenda NEWELL
June 26, 2016
THE GREATEST COACH and ROLE MODEL..It took 40 years of coaching at GRAMBLING for the rest of the world to wake up and know who he was, after sending hundreds of players to the NFL...HELLO...You are loved..RIP....MY BROTHER
Jannard Rainey
September 4, 2010
It was a pleasure being on campus with you coach. May you rest in peace. God Bless!
Tangi Robertson-Paddio
March 10, 2009
He was a true legend! There will never be another Eddie Rob. God bless his family and keep them.
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Charisma White
February 24, 2009
I just want to say that He was an awesome man. I am only 17 and I know I haven't been here in this world long enough to see all of his greatness., but I do believe that he is a role model to all. I have decided to do my history fair project on him and I have made it to Reginals. I want this project to go to state and then nationals. That way evryone will be able to see how wonderful he was. May the family keep their heads up and understand that he's in a bigger football field in heaven, coaching the angels how to play the greatest game alive.
Dennis Richardson
September 18, 2008
A Grambling Great. RIP. Your winning spirt will be with us for ever.
Tashi willis
June 16, 2008
Coach you were A wonderful man with A wonderful heart also A wonderful soul I just wished I would have got A chance to spend time with you but being you're grandaughter and knowing how everyone loved and admired you is enough for me I'm proud of the man that you were but at the same time the world is A very very sad place now that you're gone. (LOVE TASHI)
Kenneth J Newman
May 1, 2008
It's good to see the progress after a year. Good things are being done. I'm glad you were a part of my life.
Richard Washington, Sr.
April 19, 2008
Many thanks Coach Rob for all the memories of caring about our young men, and of winning. Thank you for teaching us what to say and how to say it. You were a man of compassion, who really cared about your people. You will truly be missed. God bless the Family and give them assurance that he was a righteous man.
Willette Romious
April 1, 2008
You were the GREATEST and will always be an inspiration. You have given us strong shoulders on which to stand to forward ourselves, our race and our nation. Now you can rest.
Gwendolyn Ekundayo
March 24, 2008
Thank you.
Gerren Sias
March 8, 2008
Thanks Coach Rob
Marcus Jefferson
February 1, 2008
Many blessings to the Robinson family. Coach will live on in the minds of us all.
kerry Scott
November 18, 2007
A respresentation of true sacrifice. An Alpha, Eddie Robinson
Tammy Wilson
October 25, 2007
we will pray for you and your family.
David Jewitt
October 24, 2007
We will keep the Robibson family in our prayers.
Jasmine D. Smith
September 24, 2007
You are in my thoughts and prayers.
JDS c/o May 2004
Prince Hutchinson
July 28, 2007
You are truly missed. Your legacy will forever live on.
GSU Class of 2005
Sonya Hensley-Peters
July 18, 2007
Coach Eddie Robinson was a very distinguished and honest man in my eyes. He would walk the campus of Grambling and made each student feel special. My best friend, and college roommate, still talk about how we respected him and remember the nervousness we felt every time we were near him. That nervousness was because he made great efforts to ensure that we were receiving the academic education that our familes had sent us to Grambling to get. He is missed.
Myrtle Smith
July 18, 2007
With hearthfelt sympathy to the Robinson family.
collier amos
June 12, 2007
Coach and I would talk all the time about me think he was better than Bear Byrant.
Drs. Andolyn and Edward M. Harrison, Sr.
May 30, 2007
Coach Rob was not only a treasured friend of ours, but also a treasured member of the Grambling Community,the Nation and the World. While we will surely miss him, our memories will last a life time.
Kerry Goree
May 23, 2007
To the greatest coach to ever, we love you and will missed you but never forget you and what you did for Grambling. LOVE A HOME BOY
Denise Burgan
May 22, 2007
Esteemed Coach Eddie Robinson, you will be missed my many. I had the privelige of working for you as a trainer my sophomore year. I was also present at the 400 win game.Your dedication to the team and to the University was remarkable and will never be forgotten. Your memory will live on in the hearts of every Gramblinite. God speed.
Sharron Foreman-Madison
May 17, 2007
To The Robinson Family:
Coach Ed****MADE Grambling!!!!
May God hold your hand until you all
meet AGAIN.
Blaimes and Jacqueline J. Smith
May 16, 2007
May God continue to bless the Eddie Robinson family.
Ethel Fraser Richmond
May 14, 2007
To the Robinson Family:
I will treasure the moments I spent with the family as I visited Grambling, and the Love and Care my son received as he played football under Coach Robinson.
Rose Chew
May 13, 2007
Coach Rob was an inspiration during my years as a student at GSU. The same carried on as a coworker. May God's blessing be with the Robinson family and the GSU family and alumni.
Sheria Lewis-Secoundiata
May 11, 2007
May the legacy of Coach Rob live on through the lives of the many students he touched.
GSU C/O 1996
CLIFFORD BENNETT
May 7, 2007
Having grown up in the wonderful town of Grambling, I had the opportunity to witness Coach's greatness first hand. He was a close friend of the family and was a very personable man. He was a kind man off the field, but every bit the competitor on the field.
When I was a Student-Athlete on THE YARD, I got to here the bells in the hallway first hand.(smile) He was and will always be a father figure not only to the football players that attended GSU, but to all students who had the priviledge of attending GSU during his tenure. May GOD BLESS the Robinson Family, and I am a much better man for having known such a Great Human Being !!!!!!
Linda McMahon
May 6, 2007
We were so sorry to hear of your loss. The thoughts of many are with you at this time of sorrow.
Barbara J.,Booker T., and Robert E. Livingston
May 6, 2007
Our deepest sympathy to the Eddie Robinson family. May HE who does all things good and in order be with your family now and in all that you do in the future.
Joseph Goosby
May 4, 2007
I did not play football at Grambling, however I did have the occasion to ride with Coach Rob in a limousine in the company of Miss Ruth Brown, a noted blues singer who died last year. It was interesting and enjoyable to hear the two of them talk about the forty’s and the fifty’s. And to hear Coach Rob tell me “You don’t know anything about that do you son”.
Sitting in the limo and listening to him I was in complete awe of the way he represented himself and GSU, the way he could tell a story of his experience with the details that would make the average person believe that it was about something that just happened yesterday, but in truth it was an occurrence dated 30 to 40 years earlier. He was captivating, alluring, honest, and friendly and at the same time bigger than life, but it never affected the way he greeted people he encountered.
He was overwhelming to some although he never sought to be overwhelming. It was the persona of his being and not his ego. He is a legend, and this extends far beyond his own mind.
Having spent a whole extended weekend with him in September of 1986 in Washington, DC at a Salute in his honor I know what every Grambling football player got as an added bonus in playing for Coach Rob and what every person who never met him missed. He was amaster story teller who always had a point to make in telling the story. The story was always to aid the listener(s) in their life pursuits. We will always miss him.
Joseph Goosby
GSU 1974
Washington, DC Chapter
Mildred Brown Ware and Family
May 1, 2007
To the Robinson Family: Our prayers are with you always. May God continue to keep you and bless all of you always. Please remember no person can ever coach as he did, and his legacy will last forever.
Selina Edwards
April 30, 2007
Your passing has left a hole that can not ever be filled. Yet, your deeds, words of encouragement, and the gallant way you carried yourself is a legacy that every young man and young woman that crossed your path at Dear Ol' Grambling will never forget. Thanks for so many wonderful memories. Rest in peace.
Michelle Bethea
April 29, 2007
I have always been told to lean on the LORD during hard times, but it is better to lean on the LORD in all times. May GOD continue to bless you and your family
Will D. Jones
April 29, 2007
Thank you for all the great years of services at Grambling State University and Humanitarian work for the Afirican American community and may God continue to bless your family.
Rosiland Russell
April 27, 2007
To the Robinson Family:
GRAMBLING is known internationally because of many Gramblinites, many others and people like COACH ROB. Let us continue to tell people something good about GRAMBLING.
Cassandra Walker
April 27, 2007
My heart goes out to you at this time and in the days ahead.
Sherrie Frazier-Sutton
April 26, 2007
To the Robinson Family:
May God's strength engulf you during this time of bereavement. In our weakenesses, His stength is shown. Coach Robinson was a true legend within his time. A man of statue and valor in times where it was not favorable for Black coaches to tread the path he once covered. Mrs. Robinson, your steadfastness besides your husband's side is a true picture of a virtuous woman. All that knew him and have heard of his goodwill towards all will always hold Coach Rob in high esteem. May God keep you always.
Class 1988 & 1993
Cynthia Moss Beasley
April 26, 2007
To the Robinson and Grambling Family, please know that "the world is a better place because Eddie Gay Robinson once trod its green grass."
GSU Class of 85
Edward Henderson
April 26, 2007
...a legend...Coach Rob.
Kenneth J Newman Bus Mgr '74
April 25, 2007
THE PRESIDENT'S ROUNDTABLE
When I think of Grambling, I remember the KNIGHTS of THE ROUNDTABLE. The glue that kept Grambling College together.
Eddie Gay Robinson was a member; I hope the KNIGHTS that linger will remember all of the Plans and Deeds that was put forth to make Grambling what it is today.
This group was Legendary in their ow right. Ralph Waldo Emmerson Jones, Fred Hobdy, Collie J. Nickelson, Eddie Grambling Robinson and others kept the glue moist in Grambling growth. These visionaries left a clear path to follow to success.
They were Brave enough to take and pave the road. Will we be Brave enough to follow.
John Waters
April 25, 2007
Prayer are with you. Coach Rob will never be forgotten.
Barbara Payne
April 25, 2007
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well-lived.
Denise Cyprian
April 25, 2007
Thanks for all the advice you poured out to everyone that crossed your path. You will always be a legend in my book.
Shamonia Wimberly
April 24, 2007
You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Annetta Garner
April 24, 2007
To the Robinson Family,
Coach Rob was a great man who was the wind beneath the wings of many Gramblinites and many others. We will forever love, appreciate, and remember him and his legacy will continue....
Hopefully, we will all extend a hand to others and make a difference in the lives of those we touch. May we model the behavior of one who always helped others and did it with a smile. If only he could know the effect he continues to have on the lives of so many. He planted a seed and it is sprouting around the country.
Tammy Pritchett
April 24, 2007
My the grace of God be with you in your time of need.
Cassie Minor Hodges
April 24, 2007
To Mrs. Robinson and the Robinson family, allow me to offer my sincere condolences for your loss. I will pray to my God to keep and strengthen each of you, today and always.
Beverly Emerson Jackson
April 23, 2007
To the Robinson family, my condolences go out to you. May your memories of Coach Rob bring you comfort. Let the peace of God strengthen and help you during this time of grief.
Erica Davis
April 23, 2007
To Mrs.Robinson and family, my husband T.J. and I extend our deepest sympathy and love to you all. We know he's in a better place and he will be missed. We're extremely proud that we were apart of GSU and saw his awesome work. God bless.
Senoria Land
April 22, 2007
My thoughts and prayers go out to the Robinson family during their time of grieving for their loss of Coach Robinson of whom I dearly admired. I considered him one in a million and truly loved.
IRIS DAVIS
April 22, 2007
As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life’s routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.
Shirley Pierson
April 21, 2007
Mrs. Robinson, Eddie and family, you have our deepest sympathy. We remember fondly the times we visited your home when my husband officiated games in Grambling.
Adenika Watkins
April 20, 2007
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well-lived.
Jerry Gordon
April 20, 2007
Being from a single parent home, Coach Rob's father figure influence
changed my outlook on life, competition and integrity.
God Bless The Robinson Family
Vanessa Colbert
April 20, 2007
My thoughts and prayers are with you and may God bless you all.
Erma Coleman-Bradley
April 19, 2007
As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life’s routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.
Karen Barnes-Johnson
April 19, 2007
My heart goes out to you Mrs. Doris I know this will be hard for you because you were with him so long . But look to the hill from with cometh your help. I lost my husband of 19 years. He was my best friend . What gets you through is God and only God .So when you start to miss him really bad pray. We love you and take care.
Gregory A. Brown
April 19, 2007
Coach Rob was a role model for all young men and women regardless of their race, religious belief, or financial situation. He was and will continue to be an inspiration for all who have met him or will read about his legacy. We love you Coach Rob. Rest in Peace (The Brown Family of Winnsboro, LA) Children and Grandchildren of Mr. Eli Brown, Sr. and Marriah Brown)
the parents of 8 Grambling Graduates(a proud Grambling Fan)
Greg AKA Bubba
Dorothy Watson
April 19, 2007
Coach Robinson, a great husband, father, and leader for all young men and women . Coach Rob, my siblings, nephews, Mom and I truly love you and what you stood for. Our prayers go out to Mrs. Robinson, Eddie Jr., Lillian Rose, grandchildren, and great-grand children. Thank all of you for letting us be a part of the Robinson/ Grambling Family. (class of 1972)
Elmore Morris
April 19, 2007
We love, and will miss you very much. May God keep and bless your whole family.
Verna L. Gray-Jones
April 19, 2007
WE WILL REMEMBER "THE BLACK HISTORY MAKER OF GSU"!
HE WAS LIKE A FATHER TO ALL!
GOD SIMPLY MADE HIS CALL!
COACH ROB ANSWERED AND WE ALL SHOULD SAY, "THANKS FOR THE MEMORIES"!
MAY GOD COMFORT AND STRENGTHEN HIS FAMILY.
Thyronda L. Willis
April 19, 2007
You have my deepest sympathy on the loss of such a great man. He was always a gentleman. May God bless you Robinson family.
Robert (bobby) Level
April 19, 2007
In your time of loss my family and I send our deepest sympithy. Just know that the LORD is with you always.
Heleana Coleman
April 19, 2007
You will be missed dearly. You were an inspiration to many and made your mark. You made Grambling mean so much to so many...
Kenneth Portley
April 19, 2007
Alas my brother, your journey in this plane has ended and a new one has begun, i'm sure there is much coaching to do where you are getting the angels ready and all, you are truly missed.........Peace...from the Past masters and members of King David #151 PHA
Brandi Scott
April 18, 2007
A legend, a mentor, a blessing to us all...from those who knew you well to those who followed you from afar. You left your mark on us all! Prayers to the family.
James Coley
April 18, 2007
I remember when I used to hide in my dorm closet when Coach used to come down the hallway ringing that loud cow bell and banging on doors.
"Hell GET UP, Hell GET UP"!I did what I could do to try and atleast get another hour or so of sleep. It took me years to figure out why was this man was so damn serious about us getting up to go to class. As a kid, I was basically 17 when it all started, I couldn't grasp his admirations. Having only played one year of high school football my heart and passion could have been more intense to get a grasp of the type of blessings were around me. Coach Rob came to my playoff game in the fall of 1990 to watch me play, and again, and could you believe it I still wasn't catching on. Now and at the ripening age of 33 and having graduated from the yard in Spring 95, I have finally realized what it was Coach Robinson believed in and what he saw in me. For on lookers and team mates I was a young kid with no true experience, including being quiet kept. For Eddie Robinson I believe he saw excellence in me. It may not have been a strong driving force on the field, but it was a strong driving force to always set goals, get an education, and to believe in yourseld. Without having that experience I would have never even came close to being the black educated man I am today. Coach Rob I Thank You, I will Miss You, and I will never forget the loud bells, the sweating, the crying, the sacrifice, the endurance, the pain, and the dedication.
Helen (Miller) Reese
April 18, 2007
Growing up in Monroe, La. and attending Carroll High School,Coach's name was a name we all were proud of and highly admired. Now he is at peace and resting in Heaven. God bless his family.
Kimberly Hertzog
April 18, 2007
Coach Robinson, you made me PROUD to say that I attended Grambling State University. I still wear the sweat shirt sporting your record wins. You will definitely be missed! You were known from coast to coast and loved by many. You directly and indirectly touched so many lives!
Stephanie Brown
April 18, 2007
I would to send my condolences to the Robinson family at this time. Coach Eddie Robinson was a legacy and he will never be forgotten. May God bless you and your family. May the Holy Spirit be sent to comfort you at this time.
Dillon West
April 18, 2007
My prayers go out to the Robinson Family,Eddie robinson set a huge example for Black men and paved the way many atheletes around the country. He is truly a Afro american hero!
Patrick Scott
April 18, 2007
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Rev. Donzell West
April 18, 2007
To the Robinson Family and all who trust in the Lord. My thaugts and pryers are with you in your hour of grief. The Coach will be missed but God will provide us with comfort with the many memories The Master of Foot Ball has left us along with his his legacy that sucess has no color. God Bless You and May Keep you.
Vanessa Johnson
April 18, 2007
My thoughts and prayers are with the entire Robinson Family May God continue to bless and keep you
Valarie Lloyd-Small
April 18, 2007
We will miss you "Coach"
Cheryl Bradley
April 18, 2007
My nephew, Brandon, is a great grandson of the legendary coach Robinson. I hope that the many many young men that had the good fortune of playing for this coach learned not only how to make a difference on the football field - but also how to make a difference in the world by living the values he exemplified! Stand for the right as he did. My sympathies go to his lovely family.
Patrick Walton
April 18, 2007
During my four and one half years at Grambling State University Coach Robinson wore many hats in my life such as; alarm clock,dad,
bails bondsman, etc. Through it all I found him to be the best damn coach I ever suited up for b/c he taught me not only football but the game of life. Mrs Robinson and family THANK YOU for sharing your husband, father, and friend with me. I love you all you have no sorrow that God can't share!!
Min.Fred Smith Jr.
April 17, 2007
May God Bless @ keep you strong.
La Keitra R. Brown
April 17, 2007
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well-lived.
Jerel Myers
April 17, 2007
I send all my sympathy and best regards to the family of one of the best coaches in college football history. He was the face of black college football and was a great representative.
H'Jordis Foster
April 17, 2007
He is a legend from a small HBCU, that will live on forever in the hearts of those he touched.
Michael D. Jackson
April 17, 2007
As a proud graduate of Grambling State University(Spr. '99), and a proud brother of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.(Fall'02 EKL), I would like to say that it was a pleasure and a privilege be affiliated with Coach Eddie Robinson, and be able to call him "brother." He truly is a legend. Grambling State University is synonomous with Eddie Robinson...you just can't have one, without mentioning the other. We will always love you Coach Rob. You will be missed by all of your families...Mrs. Doris and the Robinsons,New Rocky Valley, Grambling State University, and Alpha Phi Alpha will never forget the footprints you left across this earth. You have a good name, and a good name NEVER dies!! So, one last time for Coach Rob...G-S, G-S, G-S, G-S, U-U-U, I thought you knew!!! And we can't forget, 1-1-1-1-1-1, 9-OOOOOHHHHH-6!!! Peace & Blessings.
Taronda Frazier
April 17, 2007
I would like to offer my condolances to the family at this time. I know "this too shall pass". Just find peace in knowing that Coach Rob was loved and respected by many. I am so proud to have attended GSU during his last few years there. You will forever be in my prayers.
Brenda Banks
April 17, 2007
Wow what a man!!
You all were truly blessed to have such a man in your lives. God first, then family and mankind. Be gratful for the memories.
Joynetta Seay
April 17, 2007
I am 1 of 5 family members to graduate from Grambling and we loved Coach Rob as well as the university.Our thoughts and prayers are with the family during these difficult times. Joynetta Wilridge Seay c/o 73 Crowley,La.
Rosie Flanigan
April 17, 2007
Although I am a graduate of Grambling State University and I watched the great man, my fondest memory of Coach Robinson is the day my mother and I carried my children, Ramon and RaeLynn to visit the campus. We stopped by the Athletic Office and asked to speak with Coach Robinson. He was in a staff meeting with his coaches. However, he came out and spoke with my children and signed a book for each of them. We have discussed this moment many times. He was a very special man.
Marvell Clay
April 17, 2007
If you surround yourself with living things, sooner or later you will have to see them die. So sad, so true, but the Eddie Robinson Family Will always live on
Serelda Herbin
April 17, 2007
Mrs. Doris, my condolences go out to you and your family. Coach Rob is in a much better place looking down on us right now with a smile.
Serelda Herbin and family, Spring 99 graduate
Ozeal Shyne Brown
April 16, 2007
Blessings and love to the family of Coach Eddie G. Robinson. He and his wife Mrs. Doris Mott Robinson were lovely, pleasant, elegant and genuine close neighbors of the deceased Reverend Charles H. Shyne,Sr. and Mrs. Lucille Harris Shyne and family in Grambling. Louisiana. My husband Arlester Brown, sisters and brother "Who are yet alive" and myself loved him as a family member and friend.WE ALREADY MISS HIM!
OZEAL SHYNE BROWN,WASHINGTON, DC
Kenneth Coutee c/o 89
April 16, 2007
Even though I did not play football, Coach Robinson played an important role in my development as a college student and eventually as a professional. One day I left Pinchback Hall headed to class and Coach was getting out of his car and I decided to ask about Saturday’s football game. To my surprise, Coach put his satchel on his car and entertained all of my questions until it was time for me to go to class. We had many more conversations and he often inquired about my progress. When I ran into trouble paying for summer school, Coach sent me to a person who gave me a job based on Coach's word alone. My parent did not know much about Grambling, just Eddie Robinson. The morning I graduated Coach stayed with me until he shook the hands of my entire family and told them how proud he was of me. Coach was a good man, great American, and the finest Alpha man I have ever met. He is missed.
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