Johnny Robinson

Johnny Robinson was drafted by the Dallas Texans (who became the Kansas City Chiefs) in the 1960 AFL Draft. The All-Conference running back at LSU was also drafted in the NFL with the third overall pick by the Detroit Lions but chose to sign with upstart league. He excelled as a halfback (1960-61) and safety (1962-1971) during his 12-year career.

Robinson, as a halfback during the franchise’s first two seasons, rushed for 658 yards and six TDs on 150 carries and caught 77 passes for 1,228 yards and nine scores. He was switched to the defensive secondary by Coach Hank Stram as it was felt Robinson’s size, speed, aggressiveness and leadership were better suited at safety. In his second game at the new position, he snagged two interceptions against the Oakland Raiders on Sept. 23, 1962. He recorded a pair of interceptions again in the 1962 AFL Championship Game to help the Texans to 20-7 victory over the Houston Oilers.

Robinson was the third-leading interceptor in AFL history with 43 picks and was named to the AFL’s All-Time Team. He was also recognized as a member of the All-Decade Team of the 1960s. By the time his career came to an end in 1971, his 57 career interceptions ranked first in team history. He led the AFL in picks with 10 in 1966 and topped the NFL in 1970 with 10. Opponents soon learned that an interception by Robinson equated to a certain loss. The Texans/Chiefs recorded a remarkable 35-3-1 record in games when he had an interception.

Robinson was named All-AFL five consecutive seasons (1965-69), All-Pro in 1969 and All-NFL in 1970. He was voted to the AFL All-Star Game six times and to the AFC-NFC Pro Bowl following the 1970 season.