College football legend Eddie Robinson dies
Legendary former Grambling State University football coach Eddie Robinson died overnight. He was 88.
Robinson died at Lincoln General Hospital in Ruston, where he had been taken Monday afternoon after having trouble breathing. He had suffered for years from Alzheimer’s disease.
Robinson was Grambling’s head football coach from 1942-97. He won more than 400 games and at one point was the winningest coach in college football history. He was the first college coach to rack up 400 wins, completing his career with 408 wins, 165 losses, and 15 ties. Robinson’s teams had just eight losing seasons and won 17 Southwestern Athletic Conference titles and nine national black college championships. Robinson sent more than 200 players to the NFL.
“Today we mourn the loss of a great Louisianan and a true American hero,” Louisiana Governor Kathleen Blanco reacted to the news Wednesday, April 4, 2007. “Generations of Louisianans will forever benefit from Coach Robinson’s fight or equality. He worked to create the Bayou Classic football match-up, which will remains one of college football’s greatest events an important part of Louisiana’s culture. During the most recent Classic, I was honored to stand with the Robinson family to launch the Eddie G. Robinson Museum, which will stand as a meaningful tribute to this great Louisiana legend. My heart and prayers go out to Doris and the Robinson family and the entire Grambling State community.”
The times are set for us to say our final goodbyes to Eddie Robinson. A public viewing will be held in the Rotunda of the State Capitol in Baton Rouge on Monday. Public viewing begins at 10:00 a.m. Coach Rob’s funeral will be at 11:00 a.m. Wednesday at Grambling’s new assembly center behind the stadium that bears Robinson’s name.
April 4th, 2007 at 12:41 pm
Coach Robinson is Grambling State University. He was there for the highs and the lows. He was always gracious, a gentlemen and never met a stranger. He is a coaching legend, but he was so much more than just a football coach.
April 4th, 2007 at 9:35 pm
I never met Coach Rob, as he was known, but he represented a class and a graciousness that isn’t often seen anymore. May those he trained, pass on those characteristics in honor of him. My condolences to his family and close friends, but most of all to his wife who has been so faithful during this last ‘long slow parting.’
April 6th, 2007 at 12:13 am
TO THE FAMILY OF COACH ROB .OUR PRAYER ARE WITH YOU .FOR COACH ROB,WAS A GREAT MAN AND HE WILL ME MEET WORLD WIDE .
April 6th, 2007 at 3:15 pm
Coach Robinson was not only a great coach, but also a great man. He was well loved whereever he went. Other coaches and players from all sports respected him not just as a coach, but as a person. He will be missed. My deepest sympathy to his family. R.I.P., Coach Rob.
April 6th, 2007 at 6:59 pm
Coach Rob is what humanity and rightousness is all about. He was truly bigger than life, not only to those who knew his personally but to those who knew him from afar. I can remember when I took my sons to GSU to meet the legend. Because of who he was and what he stood for, they were speechless and one of them nearly passed out. Coach Rob graciously reached down and picked the little one and said, “Son it’s alright. Truly Coach Rob will be missed my many and never forgotten.
April 9th, 2007 at 5:19 pm
dear coach rob,
thank you for sharing your talents, blessings and many things that opened our eyes to others. You will be sadly missed and will be appreciated in all that you did for the community, colleges, and football. You were indeed a blessing to have here on this wonderful earth of ours. You are a legend in your own time and will be remembered as so. You have touched so many of these families, friends lives and we just want to thank you for sharing these with all of us. we will all meet again in heaven. may god comfort your family and friends at this sad occasion.
we love and miss you.
the san angelo family
April 9th, 2007 at 10:23 pm
My father, noted as all-american at Grambling College after the Korean Conflict played for Coach Rob in the early 1950’s. “Coach” mentored my dad as a coach and educator in Caddo Parish. I never knew why my father had such distinguished character. I made the decision to go to GSU after my father’s death in 1977. Coach Rob was one of the only faces that caught my eyes at the funeral that day. I could not hit the gridiron so I just made my four years as Cheerleader “on the yard” just as exciting! Thank you, for the care you gave me on and off the field. GSU 4 LIFEl
April 11th, 2007 at 9:25 am
As a former student and alumni of Grambling State University I had many opportunities to observe “Coach Rob” both on and off the football field. I join the sentiments of others who have stated that he was more than a football coach. He was a very special man in many many ways. Around the G.S.U. campus “Coach Rob” always “wore” a smile. He was what I call a “people person.” Although he was a very busy man, he would take the time to speak and carry on a conversation. As I heard Representative Ricky Gallot state, “Coach Rob was an ordinary man who did extraordinary things.” These are also my sentiments. I will continue to cherish the “precious memories” I have of “Coach Rob” and I thank God for allowing me to have known him personally. Farewell “Coach Rob!” When all God’s children get together we shall meet again!”
April 11th, 2007 at 1:34 pm
I never personally met Coach Robinson, nor did I attend Grambling as a college student, but I attended many of Grambling’s football games both at the University and New Orleans. My heart was touched as I watched the services via streaming video of the many lives he touched and the impact he had on so many, but most of all the family man he was and the loved they say he had for Mrs. Robinson. She has such a beautiful memory to hold dear to her heart and I hope I am able to say the same in my golden years. May God Bless and Keep the Robinson Family today and forever!
April 11th, 2007 at 2:17 pm
Coach Robinson
A true legend, Gone but, surely you will not be forgotten.
The Legacy will live on at GSU
Til’ we meet again.
April 11th, 2007 at 3:08 pm
Thank KTBS for streaming the service live since I could not make it back to GSU. RIP Coach Rob
April 11th, 2007 at 6:33 pm
I never met Coach Robinson but I felt like I knew him well. My mother attended Grambling in the 60’s and she always talked about how much Coach Robinson cared about the students and their rights. So when I attended Grambling in the 80’s, I got a chance to witness his burning passion for the game of football, his committment to the players and the GSU family. Everytime I step foot in the Superdome for the Bayou Classic, I can’t help but to think of Coach Robinson. Coach Robinson, your legacy will live on through the many lives you have touched.
May God comfort the Robinson Family in their hour of need…
July 30th, 2007 at 5:14 am
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August 13th, 2007 at 5:06 am
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