Six weeks ago, Washington Commanders running back Brian Robinson was the victim of an attempted robbery or carjacking in Washington, D.C. that left him hospitalized with two gunshot wounds in his lower extremities.
Incredibly, Robinson was back at the Commanders’ facility two days later. The rookie’s recovery reached milestones at an unfathomable rate. This week, Washington designated Robinson to return from the non-football injury list, which opened a 21-day window for him to get promoted to the active roster.
On Wednesday, Robinson participated in his first full practice since the incident and to say he looked fully healthy would be an understatement. The 2022 third-round pick out of Alabama responded well to the practices, which allowed him to be active for Sunday’s must-win game against the 2-2 Tennessee Titans.
On the Commanders’ second drive, Robinson got his first carry. He was celebrated by the FedEx Field crowd as he jogged onto the field and barreled forward for a four-yard gain. Fully aware of what an achievement (and miracle) this is, NFL Twitter couldn’t help but rejoice watching Robinson’s first official snap as a pro.
The carry went for eight yards but was negated by a hold on Armani Rogers.
Brian Robinson's first NFL carry looked great!
— Chad Ryan (@ChadwikoTWW) October 9, 2022
(Unfortunately, in Washington Commanders classic style, it was called back for a holding penalty)#HTTC | @BrianR_4 pic.twitter.com/qWGTmOsBbe
Commanders’ RB Brian Robinson took his first NFL carry weeks after getting shot twice in his lower extremities.
"“It was beautiful. Just getting back on the field, having fun, being around my coaches and team again,” Robinson said after practicing Wednesday.“It was just a beautiful day for me, honestly. I’ve been dealt with so much adversity in my life. This is just another situation where I just gotta be stronger than what I’m up against. I’ve had my tests. Just having to be away from ball, be away from the organization for a little while just kind of get myself together. But all of that time was much needed.”"
Before Robinson took his first carry, the Commanders created a special moment for the 23-year-old, introducing him last of all the players. Robinson was greeted to a standing ovation from the FedEx Field crowd as he exited the tunnel.
So this is cool: The Commanders introduced RB Brian Robinson last. He rightfully got a standing ovation as he makes his NFL debut after getting shot twice during an armed robbery attempt six weeks ago. pic.twitter.com/uBUoke2PZ9
— Nicki Jhabvala (@NickiJhabvala) October 9, 2022
That scene is enough to give you goosebumps and fans and analysts alike shared their thoughts on Twitter after Robinson’s first carry.
Nothing exemplifies what it's like to be a #Commanders fan more than Brian Robinson's first carry going for 9 yards and being negated by a hold.
— Grant Paulsen (@granthpaulsen) October 9, 2022
Could've been an awesome moment.
Brian Robinson almost picks up a first down on his first NFL carry. Unfortunately, it doesn't count after a holding penalty.
— Darren M. Haynes (@DarrenMHaynes) October 9, 2022
Shoutout to Brian Robinson I hope he succeeds
— God’s Favorite (@get_nooky) October 9, 2022
https://twitter.com/Mau_Townsend/status/1579160083510202368
First snap for Brian Robinson gets a good gain negated by a TE hold. Standing ovation from both fan bases. Very cool
— Buck Reising (@BuckReising) October 9, 2022
Brian Robinson Jr. is on the field. Let's go!!! #HTTC
— Commanders Wire (@Washington_Wire) October 9, 2022
https://twitter.com/JohannaWolkoff/status/1579160708721553410
It stinks the run was negated by a flag — that’s kind of been a summation of Washington’s season so far — but that’s not the story. Just six weeks after taking a gunshot to his knee and upper leg, Robinson has officially made his NFL debut.
The comeback is complete, but it’s far from over.