ManningCast latest to endorse Commanders’ Brian Robinson’s big hat movement

Washington Commanders running back Brian Robinson Jr. is the best story in the NFL. Though only a rookie, can you think of a more deserving candidate for the Comeback Player of the Year award?

The fact Robinson is thriving as a running back, let alone breathing and blessed with all bodily functions, after suffering two gunshot wounds to his leg in an attempted armed robbery nearly four months ago is impossible to put into words.

In a vacuum, Robinson’s emergence has helped Washington establish its new identity as a run-first offense. Already a media darling given his incredible story, Robinson’s popularity skyrocketed after the Commanders’ win over the Falcons in Week 12 when he rocked an abnormally large hat in the locker room.

Turns out, B-Rob was supporting a friend who owns a big hat company. The photo of the rookie went viral, and has since sparked a trend around the NFL.

The big hat buzz reached Week 14’s Monday Night Football matchup between the Cardinals and Patriots, where Peyton and Eli Manning were calling the game on ESPN’s ManningCast rocking their own ginormous hats.

In a nod to Commanders RB Brian Robinson, ESPN’s Peyton and Eli Manning rocked big hats calling MNF.

You really love to see it.

For a game that lacked in the entertainment department, Peyton and Eli came out wearing the universally loved headgear to start the third quarter. You have to think Eli cracked some forehead jokes at the expensive of his older brother, who’s constantly the brunt of jokes for having a larger-than-normal head.

You can imagine the banter that transpired behind the scenes. All jokes aside, it’s awesome that Robinson’s trend has gained this much traction.

After Buffalo beat New England on Thursday Night Football in Week 13 — less than a week after the photo of Robinson broke the internet — Bills QB Josh Allen rocked a “TNF” big hat live on set during Amazon’s postgame show.

You really have to wonder how much Robinson’s friend’s business has picked up over the last three weeks. Probably fair to say business is booming.

In all seriousness, it’s pretty cool Robinson’s affinity for big hats has become a national storyline. More importantly, though, is the fact the Alabama product finally has his swagger back after an admittedly sluggish start to the year.

Over the last four games, Robinson has topped 100 scrimmage yards twice, while averaging 86 rushing yards per contest, to go with two touchdowns. If he keeps performing like this the rest of the way — and potentially into the playoffs — his friend might not have enough big hats to go around.