2020 Jaguars undrafted sensation James Robinson thrilled fans his rookie season before injury shot down his star-crossed NFL career. Now, at 27, he's aiming for a football comeback.
Jacksonville Jaguars fans have a soft spot for journeyman tailback James Robinson, who signed as an undrafted free agent with the team following the 2020 NFL draft.
The 5-foot-9 (allegedly), 215-pound Illinois State star tore up the gridiron in his rookie season in Jacksonville. After surviving roster cuts out of training camp, Robinson became the Jags' feature back and burst onto the scene in the NFL his rookie season. Named NFL Offensive Rookie of the Month for September 2020 and selected to the Pro Football Writers Association's All-Rookie team, Robinson totaled 240 carries for 1,070 yards and seven touchdowns -- becoming only the fourth undrafted player in league history to rush for 1,000 yards as a rookie.
The Jaguars' starter as a rookie in 2020, James Robinson, lit up Duval in his star-crossed career in the NFL. Now 27, the former three-time All-American out of Illinois State is reportedly looking to return to football in the UFL. (Corey Perrine/Florida Times-Union)Starting in all 14 games he played that season, Robinson also broke the record for most scrimmage yards of any rookie free agent in NFL history, adding 344 yards on 49 catches (and three TDs).
In Week 16 of the following season, Robinson suffered a torn Achilles in what turned out to be his final game as a Jaguar. He was 23 when he was traded to the New York Jets, and was replaced as starting RB by Travis Etienne.
Robinson's path following his spectacular rookie season and seeming flame-out in returning to the field from his injury took him through six NFL teams, mostly as a member of practice teams and offseason player. Teams were scared off by what seemed like looming injuries, and by 2024, his playing days seemed over.
But Robinson, who's apparently still in football shape, is looking to return to the game, at least according to a report Thursday by Pro Football Newroom's James Larsen.
If he gets picked up by a United Football League team, the story of Robinson's return -- and possible redemption at the heartbreaking age of 27 -- will nonetheless fill Jaguars fans with cheer this winter.
The UFL's eight teams kick off their 10-week 2026 regular season on March 27.
Here's to you, Mr. Robinson. Duval's behind you maybe more than you know.
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