Crazy Canton Cuts: Johnny Robinson

Johnny Robinson
6'1" 205
Strong Safety/ Running Back
Kansas City Chiefs
1960 - 1971   (12 Seasons)
164 Games Played
57 Interceptions
77 Receptions
1, 886 Total Yards Offense
18 Total Touchdowns
8 Pro Bowls



Johnny Nolan Robinson was a first-round pick of the Detroit Lions in 1960. He was the third player picked overall. He opted to go to the fledgling American Football League, where he was a territorial pick of the Dallas Texans. He went to college at LSU, where he was a Running Back. He earned first-team All-SEC honors in 1958 and second-team All-SEC honors in 1959. He was a member of the 1958 team that won the national championship.

In his three years of playing, Robinson rushed for 893 yards at a 4.65 YPC average. He also caught 36 passes in his collegiate career, and scored 14 touchdowns. He is a member of the LSU Hall of Fame, and the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame.

Under Hall of Fame coach Hank Stram, Robinson started his pro football career as a Halfback. He rushed for 458 yards in his rookie year at an average of 4.7 YPC. He also caught 41 passes for 611 yards, accruing an impressive 14.9 YPC average.

Robinson also returned 14 punts for 207 yards at an outstanding 14.8 YPR average and returned three kickoffs for 54 yards. He scored four touchdowns rushing, four touchdowns receiving, and returned one punt for a score. He threw the only pass of his pro career that year too, but it was intercepted.

In 1961, Robinson rushed the ball less. He had 52 carries for 200 yards and scored twice via the run. He did catch 35 passes for 601 yards, which is an exceptional YPC average of 17.2. He caught 5 touchdowns that year as well. He only returned two punts that year, and would only be asked to return 4 more his entire career.

In 1962, Robinson was moved to strong safety on defense by Stram. It turned out to be a great move for the Texans. Though he did catch the last pass of his career on offense for 16 yards, he also picked off four passes.

The Texans moved to Kansas City after that season and were renamed the Chiefs. Robinson had three interceptions in 1963, then two interceptions the following year, in 1964. In 1965, Robinson picked off five passes and returned them for 99 yards. 1966 was one of Robinson's best years. He set a career high in interceptions with 10, and returned them for 136 yards, while scoring the only defensive touchdown of his career via an interception. He helped lead the Chiefs to the first Super Bowl ever against the Green Bay Packers.

Robinson followed that with five interceptions in 1967. In 1968, he picked off six passes. In 1969, Robinson set a career high with 158 yards off of eight interceptions. The Chiefs would go on to beat the Minnesota Vikings in Super Bowl IV. Robinson would intercept a pass and recover a fumble that game while playing with broken ribs, which helped keep the Vikings from scoring more than seven points.

Robinson then had a great year in 1970, when the AFL merged with the NFL. He tied his career high with 10 interceptions. He also had 155 interception return yards. He took a fumble 46 yards for the last touchdown of his professional career.

In 1971, Robinson had four interceptions. His last game came on Christmas Day, when the Chiefs and Miami Dolphins played the the longest game in NFL history. It was also the Chiefs' last game in Municipal Stadium. Robinson retired during the offseason.

Johnny Robinson hold the Chiefs franchise record for a safety with 57 interceptions for his career. He ranks second overall in interceptions behind Hall of Fame Cornerback Emmitt Thomas in Chiefs history. He is still ranked 10th All Time in NFL history in career interceptions, tied with four other players.

His 43 interceptions in the AFL ranks third all time in the league's history. He led his team in interceptions five times in his career. He is a member of the All-Time All-AFL Team and one of only 20 players who were in the AFL for its entire 10-year existence. Robinson was a six-time All-American Football League selection and is credited by many to have redefined the role of the strong safety in professional football.

His career was more than spectacular. He was the consummate team player who did whatever it took to help his team win, whether it was on offense, defense, or special teams. His stats do not lie, and his impact on the game is immeasurable. Maybe the voters have yet to induct him due to the inductions of Buck Buchanan, Willie Lanier, and Bobby Bell? It certainly took the voters way too long to induct Thomas.

Much as they are taking much too long in Robinson's case. Many fans today don't know much about the AFL. Some may think I am referring to Arena football? It is up to the NFL Seniors Committee to call this to mind while they still can, and while the players are still alive. The Seniors Committee must be woken up and nudged.

Notable 1960 Draftees (*Denotes Hall of Fame Inductee)

1. Billy Cannon, RB, LA Rams
3. Johnny Robinson, DB, Detroit
8. Jim Houston, LB, Cleveland
10. Ron Mix, OT, Baltimore *
20. Maxie Baughan, LB, Philadelphia
32. Don Meredith, QB, Chicago
42. Roger Brown, DT, Detroit
44. Jim Marshall, DT, Cleveland
55. Abner Haynes, RB, Pittsburgh
74. Larry Wilson, S, St. Louis Cardinals *
109. Charley Johnson, QB, St. Louis Cardinals
110. Curtis McClinton, RB, LA Rams
119. Bobby Boyd, DB, Baltimore