Jerry Robinson (linebacker)

Jerry Dewayne Robinson (born December 18, 1956) is a former American college and professional football player who was a linebacker in the National Football League (NFL) for thirteen seasons during the 1970s, 1980s and 1990s. He played college football for the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), and earned All-American honors. Chosen in the first round of the 1979 NFL Draft, he played professionally for the Philadelphia Eagles and Los Angeles Raiders of the NFL.

Early years

Robinson was born in San Francisco, California. He attended Cardinal Newman High School in Santa Rosa, California, where he played for the Cardinal Newman high school football team.

College career

Robinson attended UCLA, where he played for the UCLA Bruins football team from 1975 to 1978. He was recruited as a tight end by Dick Vermeil, his future professional coach, who converted him to linebacker. He was a three-time consensus first-team All-American (1976, 1977, 1978). Robinson was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1996.

Professional career

The Philadelphia Eagles selected Robinson in the first round (twenty-first pick overall) in the 1979 NFL Draft, and he played for the Eagles from 1979 to 1984. He was a member of the Eagles for Super Bowl XV, and was chosen for the Pro Bowl after the 1981 season. He finished his NFL career with the Los Angeles Raiders from 1985 to 1991. in his thirteen NFL seasons, he played in 184 games, started 147 of them, and compiled twelve interceptions and fifteen fumble recoveries.

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