Bryan Robinson, retired 14-year NFL veteran, found dead at age 41 – CBSSports.com
Former NFL defensive lineman Bryan Robinson was found dead in Milwaukee on Saturday night. The body of the 41-year-old was discovered in a hotel room just after 10 p.m.Although Robinson died at a relatively young age, the Milwaukee County Medical Examiner’s Office told the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel that there was no immediate signs of anything being suspicious about the death.Robinson played for five teams over 14 seasons during his impressive NFL career.The former Fresno State Bulldog went undrafted out of college and ended up signing with the Rams in 1997. After only one year in St. Louis, Robinson signed with the Bears, where he made his name as a hard-nosed defensive lineman.
“We are saddened to hear of the loss of Bryan Robinson,” the Bears said in a statement. “He will be remembered for the determination and work ethic he displayed on the field over his six years in Chicago. The Bears and our fans will always be indebted to him for his game-saving blocked field goal in Green Bay six days after Walter Payton’s passing. Our prayers are with Bryan and his family.”
The blocked field goal against the Packers came in 1999 and was the highlight of an emotional week for the Bears.Robinson’s improbable block gave the Bears a wild win at Lambeau Field. With just seven seconds left in the game and the Bears clinging to a 14-13 lead, Green Bay’s Ryan Longwell came on the field for a 28-yard field goal attempt that should’ve been an easy chip shot, but wasn’t, thanks to Robinson.Robinson got his hand on the ball to make the block and preserve the win.
“I think Walter Payton actually picked me up a little bit and boosted me up in the air because I can’t jump that high,” Robinson said after the game, via the Chicago Tribune. “Walter had a lot to do with it. I know he did.”
Former Bears linebacker Lance Briggs was one of many players who took to Twitter to show respect for Robinson.After six seasons with the Bears, Robinson signed with Cincinnati in 2005, where he helped the Bengals end their 15-year playoff drought. Robinson spent three seasons with the Bengals before signing with the Cardinals in 2008.The veteran defensive lineman ended up starting 15 games for the Cardinals in 2008, the year they made their improbable run to Super Bowl XLIII.