With the clock winding down and the Commanders needing a score to take the lead in their “Thursday Night Football” game vs. the Bears, Washington quarterback Carson Wentz handed off to Brian Robinson Jr.
The rookie running back did the rest. He galloped through the line with grace. First, he found a gap, and then he found paydirt from a yard out.
MORE: Brian Robinson’s 1st NFL TD leads Washington past Chicago
And as his teammates filed through to celebrate with him, Robinson pointed to the heavens. He had already made it to the league. Now, he had made it to the end zone, too.
First career tuddy in the books 📚@BrianR_4‘s story just keeps getting better
📺 @NFLonPrime #WASvsCHI pic.twitter.com/mjlO7p9Wkq
— Washington Commanders (@Commanders) October 14, 2022
Robinson’s first career rushing touchdown was the difference Thursday night, and it was a moment months in the making. Not because Robinson wasn’t expected to contribute out the gate; he was expected to do big things coming out of Alabama. It was because of everything he has gone through, starting with suffering two gunshot wounds to his leg during a carjacking attempt in D.C. last August.
MORE: How Robinson overcame gunshot wounds to return to the field
A little less than two months later, Robinson returned to the gridiron. He made his NFL debut Sunday at FedEx Field, walking out to 50 Cent’s cryptic 2003 track “Many Men,” written after the Queens rapper was shot nine times in 2000.
Brian Robinson was introduced to “Many Men” after returning from being shot twice in the leg 6 weeks ago pic.twitter.com/G8XiroCrST
— Complex Sports (@ComplexSports) October 10, 2022
The moment went viral on social media and even prompted 50 to give Robinson a shoutout on his Instagram.
Thursday was Robinson’s true coming-out party, though. He was announced as a starter hours before kickoff, giving some life to a fan base that’s seemingly tethered to pessimism.
Robinson carried the ball 17 times for 60 yards. Certainly not eye-popping numbers, but he helped to opened up space for Washington’s other rushing weapons, including Antonio Gibson (five carries, 35 yards) and J.D. McKissic (two carries, 20 yards).
The Commanders needed every bit of that yardage, too. Wentz passed for just 99 yards, one of the lowest outputs of his career, as he dealth with a biceps strain and a banged-up hand.
MORE: Rivera angrily disputes report that he didn’t want Wentz
It was a tough game that required a tough back. And Robinson fit the bill perfectly, bruising Chicago’s front seven to help keep the chains moving. His TD was the cherry on top.
Thursday was all business for Robinson, but he couldn’t help but flash a smile as he walked off the field afterward.
What a game by @BrianR_4 👏
(via @NFL) | #TNFonPrime pic.twitter.com/f6jpqD41ER
— NFL On Prime Video (@NFLonPrime) October 14, 2022
In postgame comments, Robinson tried to express his feelings once he crossed the goal line:
It did feel different. I (had) put so much work in my whole life just to make it to the NFL and just to have the opportunity that I had tonight. It’s great. I’m so blessed. I’m thankful for the opportunity my coaches gave me today to put me in positions to succeed. I had to repay them for that.
The Commanders (2-4) are still far from being a competitive team. Robinson’s touchdown was a bright spot in a season defined by lowliness on and off the field.
That’s more than enough for D.C. sports fans for the time being.
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