Eddie Robinson, Grambling State and Legendary College Football Coach Passes Away

Eddie G. Robinson, Sr. Photo: Grambling State Athletics

(GRAMBLING, Louisiana ) - Surrounded by family and friends, former Grambling State University football coach, Eddie G. Robinson, Sr. passed Tuesday evening at Northern Louisiana Medical Center (formerly Lincoln General Hospital) in Ruston, Louisiana after a lengthy illness.

Robinson is known as the giant of college football and especially among historically Black Colleges and Universities.

He came to Grambling in 1941 and coached at the institution until his retirement in 1997.

Robinson won 17 championships in his conference (SWAC), held the championship title 9 times for Black Colleges and creatively established a streak of 27 consecutive winning seasons 1960-86.

During his tenure, Robinson established himself as the winningest coach in college football history becoming the first coach to record 400 wins. Robinson retired with a record of 408 wins, 165 losses and 15 ties.

More than 200 of his players went on to play in the National Football League including Super Bowl XXII MVP, Redskins quarterback Doug Williams, who would ultimately succeed Robinson as Grambling's head coach in 1998.

"The University, state and nation have lost an extraordinarily great person. Truly one of a kind. It is impossible to measure fully the impact of Coach Robinson's life. As remarkable as his achievements in football were, his impact off the field was perhaps even more important. He touched, shaped and inspired the lives of so many. His sterling example and great positiveness influenced the whole nation. Coach Robinson was a great American. As long as Grambling State University exists, as long as football is played, as long as Americans remain patriotic, Coach Rob's spirit will live. That is a special kind of immortality only very special people can attain. We are deeply saddened by his passing and we will miss him. But we will celebrate his life with great joy and gratitude. Our hearts and best wishes are with his wife, Doris and his family," said Dr. Horace A. Judson, GSU President.