The Washington Commanders won a sloppy game in sloppy conditions against the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday to improve to 7-5. You can point to a number of players whom most helped Washington pull it out, but Brian Robinson imposing his will on the ground was a catalyst from the very first snap.
With the Commanders trailing 3-0 late in the first quarter, Robinson channeled his inner Derrick Henry and absolutely bulldozed a Falcons defensive back — the only player separating the rookie from the go-ahead touchdown.
Robinson’s contact balance and overall power was on full display throughout the game, and the beloved running back finished the afternoon with 105 rushing yards on 5.83 yards per attempt (both career-highs). He also enjoyed his best day as a pass-catcher with two catches for 20 yards and a score.
While Robinson’s performance was enough to garner praise from the general media, it wasn’t until after the game that the Alabama product went viral.
Speaking to reporters at his locker, Robinson rocked a ginormous hat. Why was he donning such uncanny headgear? As it turns out, he was supporting a friend who runs a big hat company and said to let him know if anyone wants one.
Brian Robinson said his friend has a “big hat” company. “If you want a big hat, let me know.” pic.twitter.com/KXm3GCJWO1
— Sam Fortier (@Sam4TR) November 27, 2022
Twitter was absolutely loving Commanders rookie Brian Robinson’s big hat.
That tweet nearly has 100,000 likes! All because of a big hat.
And you know that? We understand why. Though somewhat ridiculous, it’s a pretty cool look. You won’t be surprised to hear the replies were littered with high-profile NFL personalities clamoring to get their hands on one of these hats.
The list includes ESPN’s Mina Mikes, Barstool Sports’ PFT Commenter, a huge Washington fan, and NFL Network’s Kyle Brandt, among others.
The backstory behind Robinson’s big hat sensation is awesome, too. According to the Washington Post’s Sam Fortier and Nicki Jhabvala, Robinson was promoting his friend, Ron Dryer’s, business, NogginBoss. Dryer’s daughter befriended Robinson at Alabama, and Dryer and his son Kaleb made the custom Commanders design and give it Robinson. NogginBoss actually appeared on popular TV show “Shark Tank.”
The hat galvanized NFL Twitter, which had plenty of reactions.
Trying to focus on the afternoon games but all I can think about is whether there’s a little hat inside the big hat
— Mina Kimes (@minakimes) November 27, 2022
I would eat soft serve ice cream out of the big hat. https://t.co/fgjrXbB4Ik
— Eric Stangel (@EricStangel) November 27, 2022
I want this. Where’s the link. https://t.co/fegATDPgCd
— Kyle Brandt (@KyleBrandt) November 27, 2022
While Robinson’s hat became a national storyline, it was his performance on the ground that powered Washington’s win over Atlanta.
Much like his first-quarter touchdown, Robinson bounced off would-be tacklers all game. Take this punishing run for example. Hit four yards before the first down marker, Robinson personified a pinball, and carried Falcons defenders for a 10-yard gain. Talk about obliterating the yards over expected metric.
LOOK at this run by Brian Robinson Jr. Comes to a near complete stop at the line of scrimmage, works through an arm tackle, forces a corner off balance and then gains three bonus yards after getting walloped. A physical masterpiece pic.twitter.com/tKg8Ay9H0X
— Pete Hailey (@PeteHaileyNBCS) November 28, 2022
Already a favorite amongst Commanders fans, Robinson is quickly becoming a national media darling. All it took was a career day, and one abnormally large piece of headgear. Who would’ve thought, right?