Over the last three years, Bijan Robinson has become one of the best players in the NFL. Following a stellar career at the University of Texas, he was selected eighth overall by the Atlanta Falcons in the 2023 NFL Draft. While he has been a human highlight reel at the highest level, his success began at Texas, where the Longhorns helped mold him into the player he has become.
“I would say a lot of discipline was one of my biggest takeaways from college,” Robinson said. “I dealt with a lot of adversity at Texas. We didn’t win the national championship or the Big 12 championship when I was there. For me, it really helped me become the leader I wanted to be at the next level. All of the people around me there helped me become the best man I could become on and off the field.”
Through the first 39 games of his NFL career, the talented 23-year-old has recorded 2,916 yards on 601 carries. He has also found the end zone 20 times on the ground and hauled in 143 receptions for 1,256 yards. Regardless of the opponent, Robinson has found a way to make an impact, becoming an irreplaceable piece for Atlanta.
Part of Robinson’s success has been his ability to stay on the field. In his first two full NFL seasons, he appeared in every game, which is not easy at a position that takes a lot of punishment. Robinson’s focus on his health is partly why he recently did a partnership with Colgate.
“I take my oral health very seriously,” Robinson said. “I hate going to the dentist and sitting in the chair. That is why partnering with Colgate made sense. I smile all the time, and it’s who I am, and ever since I’ve partnered with them, it’s worked out.”
While Robinson’s career has been full of unforgettable performances, his skills were on display on Monday night. Against the Bills, the Falcons’ star recorded 170 rushing yards on 19 carries. He also added eight receptions for 68 yards to his resume. Due to his efforts, the Falcons cruised to their third win of the year.
As Robinson has become a star, he has also served as a mentor to young players. That includes Michael Penix Jr., who has impressed Robinson with his maturity.
“One thing with Mike is he is very mature; he has been playing football for a long time,” Robinson said. “I haven’t had to help him too much. I’ll tell him little things here and there, but that’s just me being a teammate. He’s taken the information and learned it very well.”
With Robinson leading the way, the Falcons are in good hands for the rest of the season. Few players can make the impact he does on a weekly basis with the ball in his hands. For Robinson, his approach has stayed the same regardless of how big the lights get.
“Staying disciplined in all areas of my life has been big,” Robinson said. “There are so many distractions in this world, and if you let those creep into your life, one distraction can be it. Always continuing to have, but making sure that body is right for game days, and my team has been big.”
This article originally appeared on Longhorns Wire: Exclusive Interview: Former Longhorn Bijan Robinson reflects on his path to NFL stardom
Reporting by Jamie Gatlin, Longhorns Wire / Longhorns Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
