Allen Robinson
Allen Robinson II (born August 24, 1993) is an American football wide receiver who last played for the Detroit Lions of the National Football League (NFL).[1] Standing at 6 feet 2 inches and weighing 210 pounds, he played college football for the Penn State Nittany Lions, where he established himself as one of the top receivers in program history.[1] Robinson was selected by the Jacksonville Jaguars in the second round (61st overall) of the 2014 NFL Draft.[2] At Penn State, Robinson redshirted in 2011 before emerging as a key contributor, recording 58 receptions for 877 yards and five touchdowns as a redshirt freshman in 2012.[3] In 2013, his junior year, he set school single-season records with 97 receptions for 1,432 yards and 16 touchdowns, earning first-team All-American honors from CBSSports.com and Sporting News, as well as second-team recognition from the Football Writers Association of America and Sports Illustrated.[4] Over his college career, he amassed 177 receptions for 2,479 yards and 22 touchdowns, ranking second in program history for receptions and third for receiving yards.[3] He declared for the NFL Draft following the 2013 season.[3] Robinson's NFL career began with the Jaguars, where he posted modest numbers as a rookie in 2014 with 48 receptions for 534 yards and two touchdowns before breaking out in 2015 with 80 receptions for 1,400 yards and an NFL-leading and franchise-record-tying 14 touchdowns, earning his lone Pro Bowl selection.[5] He signed with the Chicago Bears as a free agent in 2018, where he achieved three consecutive 1,000-yard seasons from 2019 to 2021, including 98 receptions for 1,147 yards and six touchdowns in 2019 and 102 receptions for 1,250 yards and six touchdowns in 2020 despite playing with multiple quarterbacks.[1] In 2021, injuries limited him to 12 games, but he still recorded 38 receptions for 410 yards.[1] Traded to the Los Angeles Rams in 2022, he managed 33 receptions for 339 yards and three touchdowns in 10 games before a foot injury sidelined him.[6] He joined the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2023 on a one-year deal, recording 34 receptions for 280 yards in 17 games.[1] Released by the Steelers in March 2024, he signed with the New York Giants in May 2024 but was released in August without appearing in a game, then signed with the Lions' practice squad in late August and was promoted to the active roster, appearing in 12 games with three receptions for 30 yards during the 2024 regular season.[7][8] Over 11 NFL seasons, Robinson has accumulated 565 receptions for 7,058 yards and 43 touchdowns across five teams, known for his strong hands, body control, and reliability as a possession receiver.[1] As of November 2025, he remains an unsigned free agent. His career highlights include leading the NFL in receiving touchdowns in 2015 and consistent production amid quarterback instability, establishing him as a durable veteran in the league.[5][9]Early years
Childhood and family
Allen Robinson was born on August 24, 1993, in Detroit, Michigan.[1] He grew up in the city, where he was raised by his parents, Allen Robinson Sr. and Tracie Robinson.[10] His father worked for 24 years at Ford as a technical support supervisor in design analysis, while his mother pursued careers in academics, sales, and luxury retail, including a role at St. Mary's Preparatory in 2017.[11] Robinson has an older sister, Ashley, who excelled academically and later worked for the Detroit Tigers organization.[12] His family emphasized the importance of balancing athletics with education, encouraging him to complete his degree at Penn State University.[11] From a young age, Robinson expressed a strong ambition to become a professional athlete, sharing this goal with teachers, family, and friends during his time in public and private schools in Detroit.[12] His early exposure to sports included attending Detroit Pistons games, which fueled his passion for competition, though he later focused intensely on football.[12]High school career
Allen Robinson attended Orchard Lake St. Mary's Preparatory School in Orchard Lake, Michigan, where he emerged as a multi-sport athlete during his high school years. Primarily known for his contributions on the football field as a wide receiver, Robinson also excelled in basketball and played baseball through his sophomore year. His family played a key role in his development, redirecting college savings to enroll him at the prestigious Catholic preparatory school to enhance his athletic opportunities.[12] In football, Robinson showcased his potential during his senior season in 2010, recording 44 receptions for 720 yards and 10 touchdowns while helping lead the Eaglets to the Division 3 state championship game.[13] His performance earned him selection to the All-Oakland County first team as a senior.[14] Rated as a two-star recruit by ESPN and a three-star prospect by Rivals, Robinson attracted attention from several Division I programs despite his relatively modest national profile.[13] On the basketball court, Robinson was a standout guard, averaging 24 points per game during his senior year and earning recognition as the Catholic High School League Athlete of the Year in 2011 for his dual-sport excellence.[15][16] His recruitment culminated in scholarship offers from Penn State, Buffalo, Minnesota, and Toledo, with the Nittany Lions securing his commitment as part of coach Joe Paterno's final recruiting class.[13]College career
Penn State seasons
Allen Robinson enrolled at Penn State University directly after high school. As a true freshman in 2011, he had a limited role, appearing in 12 games with three receptions for 29 yards, behind established receivers. His role expanded dramatically in 2012 following the departure of several key receivers amid the NCAA sanctions imposed on the program, which allowed players to transfer without penalty. These sanctions, stemming from the Jerry Sandusky scandal, created opportunities for younger players like Robinson, who earned an immediate starting position as the primary wide receiver under new head coach Bill O'Brien. His work ethic and physical growth propelled him into a starring role.[17] In the 2012 season, Robinson led the Big Ten Conference with 77 receptions for 1,018 yards and 11 touchdowns, setting Penn State single-season records for receptions and earning him the inaugural Big Ten Richter-Howard Receiver of the Year award. Despite the team's challenges, including a 8-4 record and no postseason eligibility due to the sanctions, Robinson's production provided a bright spot, as he accounted for a significant portion of the Nittany Lions' passing attack and helped stabilize the offense during a transitional year. His standout performance came against Navy, where he recorded three touchdown receptions in a 34-7 victory, showcasing his ability to stretch the field and make contested catches.[18][19][20] Robinson elevated his game even further in 2013, recording 97 receptions for 1,432 yards and six touchdowns, once again leading the Big Ten in receptions and yards while breaking his own school records from the previous year. He repeated as the Big Ten Richter-Howard Receiver of the Year and earned first-team All-American honors from multiple outlets, including Sporting News, as well as second-team recognition from the Football Writers Association of America and Sports Illustrated, and third-team from the Associated Press. Key moments included a 12-catch, 173-yard, two-touchdown performance against Indiana and a crucial 36-yard reception at the Michigan one-yard line that set up a game-winning score in a 34-31 victory.[21][22][23][24] Beyond his on-field statistics, Robinson contributed to team morale during a period of uncertainty caused by the ongoing sanctions, choosing to stay at Penn State and serving as a vocal leader for younger players, which helped foster resilience in the locker room. Academically, he maintained strong progress toward his degree in advertising, positioning himself to graduate early and demonstrating discipline that complemented his athletic achievements. His leadership extended to mentoring freshman quarterback Christian Hackenberg, forming a pivotal connection that boosted the passing game.[17][25]College statistics
Robinson compiled impressive receiving numbers during his three seasons at Penn State, emerging as one of the top wide receivers in the Big Ten after a limited freshman year. His breakout sophomore campaign in 2012 saw him lead the conference in receptions, receiving yards, and touchdown catches, setting school records in the process.[26] The following table summarizes his receiving statistics by year:| Year | School | Games | Receptions | Yards | Touchdowns | Yards per Reception |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2011 | Penn State | 12 | 3 | 29 | 0 | 9.7 |
| 2012 | Penn State | 12 | 77 | 1,018 | 11 | 13.2 |
| 2013 | Penn State | 12 | 97 | 1,432 | 6 | 14.8 |
| Career | 36 | 177 | 2,479 | 17 | 14.0 |
Professional career
Draft and pre-NFL
Following a standout college career at Penn State, where he amassed 1,432 receiving yards in his final season, Allen Robinson entered the 2014 NFL Draft as a highly regarded wide receiver prospect.[1] The Jacksonville Jaguars selected Robinson in the second round with the 61st overall pick, trading their third-round selection (No. 70) and a fifth-round pick (No. 150) to the San Francisco 49ers to move up from their original spot.[27] At the 2014 NFL Scouting Combine, Robinson measured 6 feet 3 inches tall and 220 pounds, recording a 40-yard dash time of 4.60 seconds, a 39-inch vertical jump, a 10-foot-7-inch broad jump, a 4.00-second 20-yard shuttle, and a 7.00-second three-cone drill; he opted not to participate in the bench press.[28] He later improved his 40-yard dash to approximately 4.47 seconds at Penn State's pro day, further showcasing his athleticism.[29] On June 24, 2014, Robinson signed his rookie contract with the Jaguars, a four-year deal worth $3,510,870 that included a signing bonus of $873,000.[30][31]Jacksonville Jaguars tenure
Allen Robinson was selected by the Jacksonville Jaguars in the second round (61st overall) of the 2014 NFL Draft out of Penn State, joining a rebuilding team under head coach Gus Bradley that featured rookie quarterback Blake Bortles.[1] As a rookie, Robinson quickly showed promise as a deep threat but was limited by injuries, including a hamstring issue in training camp and a stress fracture in his left foot that sidelined him for the final six games after Week 10.[32] In 10 games with eight starts, he recorded 48 receptions for 548 yards and two touchdowns, serving as one of Bortles' primary targets amid an offense that struggled with protection and consistency.[1] Robinson's development accelerated in 2015, marking a breakout sophomore season where he became the Jaguars' undisputed top receiver and a focal point of the passing attack.[33] He caught 80 passes for 1,400 yards and a franchise-record 14 touchdowns, co-leading the NFL in receiving touchdowns and earning his first Pro Bowl selection as an alternate who played in the game.[34] His performance, highlighted by explosive plays like a 155-yard outing against the Miami Dolphins, helped establish him as an elite boundary receiver despite the team's 5-11 record and ongoing offensive line issues.[35] Robinson's role evolved from a complementary option to the clear WR1, drawing heavy defensive attention and mentoring younger receivers like Allen Hurns.[36] In 2016, Robinson remained the Jaguars' go-to receiver for a second straight year, though his efficiency dipped amid Bortles' regression and a Jaguars offense that ranked near the bottom in scoring.[37] He posted 73 receptions for 883 yards and six touchdowns over 16 starts, including a 108-yard performance in the finale against the Houston Texans, but frustration mounted due to dropped passes and inconsistent quarterback play.[38] Without a Pro Bowl nod this time, Robinson still anchored the passing game during a 3-13 season, adapting to defensive schemes that often doubled him while the team prioritized defensive improvements in the draft.[39] Entering 2017 under new head coach Doug Marrone, Robinson's future with the Jaguars was in flux amid ongoing contract extension talks, as he played under the final year of his rookie deal.[40] However, just one drive into the season opener against the Houston Texans, he suffered a torn ACL in his left knee on a 17-yard catch, limiting him to one reception for 17 yards before being placed on injured reserve.[41] The injury derailed extension negotiations, and with the franchise unwilling to apply the transition or franchise tag, Robinson became a free agent in March 2018, ending his four-year tenure where he amassed 202 receptions for 2,848 yards and 22 touchdowns while evolving from an injury-plagued rookie to a cornerstone of the Jaguars' passing offense during their rebuild.[42]Chicago Bears tenure
Allen Robinson signed with the Chicago Bears as an unrestricted free agent on March 14, 2018, agreeing to a three-year contract worth $42 million, including $25.2 million guaranteed and a $6 million signing bonus.[43] His strong performances with the Jacksonville Jaguars, including consecutive 1,000-yard receiving seasons in 2015 and 2016, positioned him as one of the top receivers available in free agency. In the 2018 season, Robinson quickly became a key target for quarterback Mitchell Trubisky in Matt Nagy's West Coast-inspired offensive scheme, which emphasized short-to-intermediate passes and play-action. Despite missing the final three games due to a calf injury, he recorded 55 receptions for 754 yards and four touchdowns over 13 games, providing a reliable outside presence for the Bears' offense that helped fuel a 12-4 regular season record.[1][45] Robinson built on that foundation in 2019, playing all 16 games and emerging as Trubisky's primary option amid ongoing inconsistencies at quarterback. He hauled in a career-high 98 catches for 1,147 yards and seven touchdowns, setting Bears single-season records for receptions by a wide receiver in the Nagy era and demonstrating his contested-catch ability on third downs.[1] The Bears' offense, however, struggled with a lack of explosive plays, finishing 8-8 and missing the playoffs, as Nagy's scheme faced criticism for underutilizing Robinson's deep speed at times.[46] The 2020 season marked Robinson's most productive year with Chicago, where he again started all 16 games while adapting to a midseason switch from Trubisky to Nick Foles at quarterback. He achieved 102 receptions for 1,250 yards and six touchdowns, earning consideration for his first Pro Bowl nod since 2015 despite the Bears' 8-8 finish and playoff miss; his efficiency stood out in Nagy's evolving scheme that incorporated more motion and pre-snap adjustments to create favorable matchups.[1][47] Robinson's tenure concluded in 2021 after the Bears used the franchise tag on him in March, guaranteeing $17.2 million for the season. Injuries, including a hamstring issue and a concussion, limited him to 12 games, where he managed just 38 receptions for 410 yards and one touchdown while splitting time between Andy Dalton and rookie Justin Fields at quarterback. Nagy's offense continued to experiment with personnel groupings, but the instability contributed to a 6-11 record, after which Robinson was traded.[1][47]Los Angeles Rams season
On March 17, 2022, following the expiration of his contract with the Chicago Bears, wide receiver Allen Robinson signed a three-year, $46.5 million deal with the Los Angeles Rams that included $30.7 million guaranteed.[48] The agreement positioned Robinson as a key addition to the Rams' receiving corps, intended to provide veteran depth and complement star wideout Cooper Kupp while supporting quarterback Matthew Stafford in the team's high-powered offense.[49] Robinson appeared in the first 10 games of the 2022 season, primarily in a supporting role behind Kupp, who led the team in receptions and yards.[1] He recorded 33 receptions for 339 receiving yards and three touchdowns, with his production hampered by a slow integration into the Rams' scheme and limited early targets amid offensive adjustments.[1] Notable performances included a five-yard touchdown catch against the Carolina Panthers in Week 5, showcasing his red-zone reliability, though his overall output fell short of preseason expectations as the Rams navigated injuries across the unit.[50] In Week 12 against the Kansas City Chiefs, Robinson suffered a stress fracture in his foot, leading to season-ending surgery after an initial attempt to play through the injury.[51] He was officially placed on injured reserve on November 29, 2022, missing the final seven games and concluding a disappointing debut campaign in Los Angeles.[52]Pittsburgh Steelers season
On April 21, 2023, the Pittsburgh Steelers acquired wide receiver Allen Robinson II from the Los Angeles Rams in exchange for a swap of seventh-round picks in the 2023 NFL Draft (No. 234 for No. 251). The Steelers assumed approximately $5 million of Robinson's remaining 2023 salary from his prior three-year contract with the Rams, including a $3.83 million signing bonus and $1.16 million base salary.[53] During the 2023 season, Robinson served in a limited depth chart role behind primary receivers George Pickens and Diontae Johnson, appearing in all 17 games but starting only two.[1] He recorded 34 receptions on 49 targets for 280 yards and no touchdowns, averaging 8.2 yards per catch, as the Steelers' offense struggled with quarterback instability involving Kenny Pickett, Mitchell Trubisky, and Mason Rudolph.[1] Robinson missed no games due to injury but dealt with minor "bumps and bruises," including a foot issue that briefly limited his practice participation in September.[54] On March 8, 2024, the Steelers released Robinson as part of cost-cutting measures, saving approximately $10 million in salary cap space while owing him about $2 million in guaranteed money.[55]New York Giants stint
On May 9, 2024, the New York Giants signed veteran wide receiver Allen Robinson II to a one-year contract, adding depth to their receiving corps following his release from the Pittsburgh Steelers in March 2024.[56][57] The signing aimed to provide experience and reliability for quarterback Daniel Jones amid a young group of pass catchers, including rookies Malik Nabers and Jalin Hyatt.[58] Robinson participated actively in the Giants' 2024 training camp, where he impressed coaches with consistent catches during practices, including a standout session on August 13 featuring multiple receptions at various field levels.[59] He also appeared in all three preseason games, recording three receptions for 23 yards total, with one catch each against the Detroit Lions, Houston Texans, and New York Jets.[60] Despite these contributions, Robinson did not secure a defined role on the depth chart and ultimately played no regular-season games for the team.[8] The Giants released Robinson on August 27, 2024, as part of their final roster cuts to reach the 53-player limit ahead of the regular season.[8] This move came amid competition from younger receivers and reflected the team's emphasis on speed and potential over veteran presence in the wideout room.[61]Detroit Lions seasons
Following his release by the New York Giants on August 27, 2024, Robinson signed with the Detroit Lions' practice squad the next day.[62][63] He was elevated to the active roster on September 26, 2024, to provide veteran depth at wide receiver amid injuries.[64] In the 2024 season, Robinson appeared in 12 games for the Lions, primarily in a rotational role behind primary receivers Amon-Ra St. Brown and Jameson Williams.[1] He recorded three receptions on seven targets for 30 yards and no touchdowns, with his most notable contribution being a 22-yard catch in Week 10 against the Green Bay Packers.[65] His limited usage underscored his function as a reliable backup, appearing on just 47 offensive snaps across the season.[66] Robinson's one-year contract with the Lions expired after the 2024 season, making him an unrestricted free agent entering 2025.[30] In March 2025, he expressed contemplation of retirement after 11 NFL seasons, citing a desire to pursue media opportunities without regrets, though he noted having "a couple more years" potentially left if the right fit emerged.[67] The Lions indicated openness to re-signing him for another practice squad or depth role at a veteran minimum salary around $1.2 million, but as of November 2025, no contract extension or new agreement had been reported. In September 2025, Robinson pitched himself to the Kansas City Chiefs on social media, stating he could help their offense, but remained unsigned.[68][69]NFL statistics and achievements
Regular season stats
Allen Robinson's regular season receiving statistics are presented in the following table, covering his performance from 2014 through the 2025 season up to week 9. The data includes games played, receptions, receiving yards, yards per reception, and receiving touchdowns. Rushing stats are minimal across his career, with 5 attempts for 21 yards and 0 touchdowns in total. He has recorded 9 fumbles, 4 of which were lost.[1][7]| Year | Team | G | Rec | Yds | Y/R | TD |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2014 | JAX | 15 | 48 | 534 | 11.1 | 2 |
| 2015 | JAX | 16 | 80 | 1,400 | 17.5 | 14 |
| 2016 | JAX | 16 | 73 | 883 | 12.1 | 6 |
| 2017 | JAX | 1 | 1 | 17 | 17.0 | 0 |
| 2018 | CHI | 16 | 85 | 1,138 | 13.4 | 7 |
| 2019 | CHI | 16 | 98 | 1,147 | 11.7 | 6 |
| 2020 | CHI | 15 | 102 | 1,250 | 12.3 | 6 |
| 2021 | CHI | 12 | 38 | 410 | 10.8 | 1 |
| 2022 | LAR | 10 | 33 | 339 | 10.3 | 3 |
| 2023 | PIT | 17 | 21 | 222 | 10.6 | 0 |
| 2024 | DET | 12 | 3 | 30 | 10.0 | 0 |
| 2025 | DET | 9 | 0 | 0 | 0.0 | 0 |
Postseason stats
Allen Robinson has appeared in three postseason games across his NFL career with the Chicago Bears and Pittsburgh Steelers, with statistical contributions limited compared to his regular-season output. In the 2018 postseason with the Chicago Bears, Robinson had his most productive playoff outing in the Wild Card round against the Philadelphia Eagles on January 6, 2019, catching 10 passes for 143 yards and a touchdown (long 45 yards), though the Bears lost 16-15. He did not record statistics in the 2020 Wild Card loss to the New Orleans Saints on January 10, 2021, where he had six receptions for 55 yards (long 21 yards). Robinson missed the 2017 playoffs with the Jaguars due to an ACL injury sustained in week 3 of the regular season. He had no postseason participation with the Rams in 2022, as the team did not qualify for the playoffs (5-12 record). With the Steelers, he appeared in the 2023 Wild Card loss to the Buffalo Bills, recording two receptions for 12 yards (long 13 yards). Career postseason totals stand at 18 receptions for 210 yards and one touchdown over three games. No further postseason participation has occurred in 2024 or 2025 as of November 2025.| Year | Team | Games | Rec | Yds | Avg | Long | TD |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 | CHI | 1 | 10 | 143 | 14.3 | 45 | 1 |
| 2020 | CHI | 1 | 6 | 55 | 9.2 | 21 | 0 |
| 2023 | PIT | 1 | 2 | 12 | 6.0 | 13 | 0 |
| Career | - | 3 | 18 | 210 | 11.7 | 45 | 1 |