SRES143APR13

Born in Jackson, LA in 1919 Robinson attended Leland College and played as a quarterback. In 1941 he began coaching at Grambling State then known as Louisiana Negro Normal and Industrial Institute where he remained for 57 years.

The resolution preamble refers to his ‘legendary’ accomplishments. Robinson broke the glass ceiling on African American coaches, won 408 games, 17 Southwest championships, held the champ status nine times for Historically Black Colleges and Universities and sent more than 200 players to the NFL including Paul Younger.

…and more below.

Sponsor: Senator Mary L. Landrieu (D-LA)

Vote: Passed Senate by Unanimous Consent April 10, 2007

Cost to the taxpayers: No discernible cost

Earmark Certification: Not applicable to this bill.

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MORE INFORMATION

Whereas Eddie G. Robinson, the former coach of the Grambling State University Tigers, was born on February 13, 1919, in Jackson, Louisiana;

Whereas after graduating from high school, Eddie G. Robinson attended Leland College in Baker, Louisiana, where he played quarterback on the college's football team and graduated with a baccalaureate of arts degree;

Whereas in 1941, Eddie G. Robinson accepted a football coaching position at Grambling State University, which, at the time, was known as the Louisiana Negro Normal and Industrial Institute;

Whereas during his 57-year tenure as the Grambling State University football coach, Eddie G. Robinson established himself as a legend in the world of sports and a Louisiana hero;

Whereas Eddie G. Robinson broke through the glass ceiling that had always undermined the true potential of African-American players and coaches;

Whereas Eddie G. Robinson won 408 games, which was more games won than any coach before him;

Whereas Eddie G. Robinson won 17 championships in the Southwestern Athletic Conference;

Whereas Eddie G. Robinson held the championship title 9 times for Historically Black Colleges and Universities;

Whereas Eddie G. Robinson sent more than 200 players into the National Football League (NFL), including Paul ``Tank'' Younger, who was the first NFL player from a predominantly African-American college and, from then on, Coach Robinson was personally responsible for paving the way for all African-American players to have opportunities in the NFL and others to play at majority White schools;

Whereas Eddie G. Robinson's achievements are not limited to his athletic victories;

Whereas Eddie G. Robinson taught his players the meaning of teamwork and patriotism, providing them lessons that extended far beyond the football field;

Whereas his contributions have also provided for one of the most exciting match-ups in college sports--the Bayou Classic football game, which Eddie G. Robinson and his sports information director, the late Collie J. Nicholson, created; and

Whereas Eddie G. Robinson was able to serve Grambling State University with such great distinction in large part because of the continuing support of his wife Doris, his two children, Eddie Jr. and Lillian Rose Watkins, his grandchildren, and his great-grandchildren: Now, therefore, be it

Resolved, That the Senate--

(1) notes with deep sorrow and solemn mourning the death of Coach Eddie G. Robinson, a Louisiana hero and a great American;

(2) extends its heartfelt sympathy to Mrs. Doris Robinson and the family of Eddie G. Robinson; and

(3) honors and, on behalf of the Nation, expresses deep appreciation for Coach Eddie G. Robinson's outstanding service to Grambling State University, to Louisiana, and to his country.

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