Arizona’s Robinson hoping to become next feel good story

By Krupka  |   Sunday, May 28, 2006  |  Comments( 2 )

Arizona Cardinals
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If at first you don't succeed, try, try again.

Not too long ago, running back Roger Robinson thought his professional football career was over. Last season instead of playing football, he was working at a bank. Just as he was ready to become a head coach of a high school football team in Chandler, Arizona, the job fell through and opportunity came knocking at his door one more time. This time, he was going to make the most of it.

The Arizona Cardinals called and offered him a spot in NFL Europe. Robinson wasn't inclined to go, but thanks to family and friends who convinced him, he's making the most of his second chance.

He packed his bags and headed to Germany. As a member of the Frankfurt Galaxy, he helped propel the team to an 8-3 record and a victory in the World Bowl, which is the European league's Super Bowl. In the World Bowl game, Robinson rushed 19 times for 96 yards, a 5.1 yard average. Ironically, 5.1 yards per carry is what he averaged the whole season in Europe. How's that for consistency?

He broke the league rushing record, posting 1,087 yards in spite of the fact that he missed a game because of a concussion. While in Europe, he has been opening the eyes of NFL scouts. He was originally signed by the Cardinals as an undrafted rookie free agent in April 2004. However, Robinson was cut during training camp just four months later (August 9).

Some people get chance after chance and fail to do anything with it. Robinson, on the contrary, has done about as much as anyone could have imagined. His 40-yard dash time was recorded as an impressive 4.36, quicker by a full tenth of a second from his pre-draft workouts in '04. His terrific yards per carry average can't be ignored, either.

It will be tough to crack a roster spot with the Cardinals, who boast All-Pro back Edgerrin James, Marcel Shipp and last year's second-round pick, J.J. Arrington. Nonetheless, Robinson has impressed, and now has the chance to
catch on somewhere. There's a slight possibility he'll crack the top three of the Cardinals' depth chart, since Shipp is reportedly on the outs.

NFL Europe may not be the best league for talent, but it has helped out some current NFL stars, most notably quarterbacks Brad Johnson, Kurt Warner, Jake Delhomme, Matt Hasselbeck and Jon Kitna.

Soon, the name Roger Robinson may be added to the list, as a running back, though. Undoubtedly, his NFL Europe experience was invaluable, as it could be just the jump start the 24-year-old needed.

Eric Krupka can be reached at ekrupka@realfootball365.com

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