Do not mistake their cuteness for weakness.

April 4, 2007 4:57 PM

Grambling State's Eddie Robinson has passed away. "It was almost like a marriage... Grambling needed him. They met just at the right time, and when they met, they both grew." [popup player, be patient] Over the course of a 50-year tenure, Robinson amassed over 400 wins and sent over 200 players to the NFL. His philosophy? Develop players who are winners both on and off the field. GSU is also known for its world famous marching band. You may recall their performance in this year's Rose Bowl Parade.
posted by phaedon (16 comments total)

r.i.p.

One of those rare people who was such an institution, the thought of him dying is somewhat surreal.
posted by billyfleetwood at 5:18 PM on April 4, 2007

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posted by ColdChef at 5:21 PM on April 4, 2007

His first season, Robinson's team went 3-5. His second year Grambling was 9-0, not only unbeaten, but not scored on.
posted by ColdChef at 5:22 PM on April 4, 2007

.

Class, loyalty, and dedication. You don't see that in football much anymore.
posted by kyleg at 6:28 PM on April 4, 2007

Umm, aren't there more sports-specific venues besides the best of the web Metafilter that must already be buzzing with people who care about state college football? please?
posted by longsleeves at 7:54 PM on April 4, 2007

are you talking to me? you're acting like i reported a sports score. but if you think your point has more validity than i'm willing to give it, take it to MeTa.
posted by phaedon at 7:59 PM on April 4, 2007

I am so glad I got to shake his hand in 1999. He was a great coach. He was already on my mind this week as I finally got to visit the College Football Hall of Fame last friday. Really cool place.
posted by UseyurBrain at 8:00 PM on April 4, 2007

Adversity brings out the best in some people. The coach's story is about more than sports.
posted by Cranberry at 9:46 PM on April 4, 2007

Seems sad that Eddie Robinson's death draws nine comments, while the guy who did Porky's and A Christmas Story dying draws 50.

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posted by dw at 10:31 PM on April 4, 2007

Unquestionably the most colorful manifestation in the annals of Black College Football, the annual gridiron clash between Louisiana rivals Southern and Grambling State, affectionately known to the world as the State Farm Bayou Classic, has become one of the most anticipated events in the nation.
posted by Sand Reckoner at 11:39 PM on April 4, 2007

Thanks Phaedon. Coach Robinson was, by all accounts, a class act.
posted by Mister_A at 6:38 AM on April 5, 2007

.

One of my few remaining unblemished sports heroes.

Seems sad that Eddie Robinson's death draws nine comments, while the guy who did Porky's and A Christmas Story dying draws 50.

Not surprising, though, given the demographic around here. There's a lot more of us who have seen either or both of those movies than have watched much black college football (Go Benedict Tigers!) or probably even heard of Eddie Robinson.
posted by pax digita at 7:40 AM on April 5, 2007

makes me remember why I loved college football at one time, and hate it so viscerally now.

*cough* gary barnett *cough*

RIP
posted by markovitch at 10:47 AM on April 5, 2007

Watching Bo Schembechler talk about Robinson made me teary-eyed.

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posted by phaedon at 11:35 AM on April 5, 2007

.
posted by Sandor Clegane at 11:45 AM on April 5, 2007

*cough* gary barnett *cough*

You a CU alum, too?

The Gary get booted a few years too late.
posted by dw at 12:24 PM on April 5, 2007