Edmond Robinson: ‘This could be my last chance’ to make it in the NFL

He played for the Houston Roughnecks of the XFL before the league suspended play because of the coronavirus pandemic. The Falcons, who were thin at the linebacker position after De’Vondre Campbell left in free agency, signed Robinson to a one-year contract Saturday.

Robinson, who’s 6-foot-3 and 244 pounds, has played in 22 NFL games and made one start.

“I can play (strongside) or (weakside),” Robinson said. “In certain packages I can play middle linebacker as well.”

Robinson’s versatility was a plus for the Falcons.

“Over the last five or six years, I’ve been in a few different defenses,” Robinson said. “I’ve played rush outside linebacker. I’ve played (strong side) in a 4-3. I’ve played (weak side) in a 4-3. I’ve played middle in a 3-4. Whatever they need me to play, I can play it.”

Robinson also needed to get back in the league to have a chance to earn a pension.

“That’s one of the most important things, but what I think is more important is me just getting another chance to play in the NFL,” Robinson said. “I know I can play, and I belong with the guys that are playing. That’s more important to me. If I can get back and play, the pension is going to come. It’s all good.”

Robinson played in the Alliance of American Football over the 2018 summer.

“Playing in the AAF was actually a good deal because it came at the right time,” Robinson said. “I (was) released from the Arizona Cardinals after the preseason of that year.”

After the league folded, Robinson wasn’t ready to move on with his life.

“Went back to training and everything right after that, hoping to get another opportunity,” Robinson said. “I started every game, all eight games and thought my film was good enough to get another opportunity, but I guess I probably didn’t show enough or probably wasn’t just what a lot of teams was looking for.”

He stayed in Arizona to train and eventually got ready for the XFL.

“Houston gave me a call,” Robinson said. “I took the opportunity and ran with it. I understood that at 27 years old at the time, I understood that this was probably going to be my last chance of proving myself and trying to get a chance back in the NFL.”

Falcons linebackers coach Jeff Ulbrich, who scouted Robinson in 2015, was impressed.

“It was the perfect scenario for me,” Robinson said. “I have a 4-year-old son who actually lives in Atlanta. It kind of worked out perfectly for me.”

Falcons coach Dan Quinn sent Robinson a text welcoming him to the team.

“This is the first time that I’ve had a head coach text me, welcoming me to the team, telling me they are excited to have me and that they have a plan and how I fit into the plan and all of that stuff,” Robinson said. “So, I was definitely happy and excited because I’ve never had a head coach on any level say anything like that to me.

“It made me feel good. It kind of shows me what type of guy that he is. He does that type of stuff. I have (no choice) but to go hard for him and the whole team.”

Robinson said he’s working out in a gym in South Carolina and is practicing self-distancing with his two or three workout buddies. He said Quinn has told the team to be accountable with their works.

He said they don’t know if they are going to be away for “two weeks” or “two or three months” or “training camp.”

“Find a way to make sure your body is in that type of shape needed,” Robinson said. “Be a professional. Being an athlete, we’ll adapt well. We’ll all be just fine.”

Robinson plans to make the most of this opportunity.

“This could be my last chance,” Robinson said. “They gave me a chance, and I’m going to make the best of it. We’ll see what happens.”

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