A Great American Is Laid To Rest

Grambling's Eddie Robinson was more than just a great football coach

April 12, 2007

By Eric N. Moore

Special to CSTV.com

	Eric Moore Eric contributes a twice-weekly HBCU column for CSTV.com. E-mail here!

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GRAMBLING, La. - On a day that began under ominous clouds and finished under bright sunshine, Coach Eddie G. Robinson received his final tribute on the campus he made famous.

An estimated crowd of nearly 5,600 people gathered in the Grambling State University Assembly Center in a city renamed Eddie Robinson, Louisiana to honor the legendary coach. The ceremony concluded a series of activities that included two memorial services earlier in the week at the Louisiana State Capital in Baton Rouge, Robinson's hometown.

From reflections by former players, national figures and other dignitaries, Robinson was remembered as a man dedicated to serving others.  His impact was widespread.

"Coach used to say that the first one to cry was a sissy," said Doug Williams former GSU standout and the first black quarterback to be named Super Bowl MVP (1988). "Well, I've been a sissy all week."

Prior to his arrival on the GSU campus in 1941, few know about the small school in Northeastern Louisiana, often described as God's Country. But through his success on and off the playing field, Robinson was able to bring international recognition to Grambling as evidenced by the acknowledgement of a special donation to the family from the Nation of Israel.

And while Robinson was best known for his football exploits, former GSU president Joseph Johnson, who was recruited by "Coach Rob" as a basketball player, noted Robinson's success as a roundball coach.

"I'm tired of hearing all of this football stuff," said Johnson reflecting on the fact that Robinson coached the men's and women's basketball teams in addition to football. "I want people to know that he was also a pretty good basketball coach."

The phrase "unique and distinguished individual" was often repeated throughout the service that reflected on his accomplishments and achievements during his 56-year coaching career.

That uniqueness was reflected in the building housing the event. GSU President Horace A. Judson thanked government officials for giving the school special permission to host the service in the newly-constructed facility next to the football stadium bearing Robinson's name. Donations of food, furniture, time and talent, on very short notice, contributed to a smooth operation in the 8,000 seat building that had not been fully completed.

Robinson coached over 4,000 players for nearly six decades and many of them returned for the service including James Gregory, the school's first white quarterback, who was the focus of the movie "Grambling's White Tiger".

Attendees were often reminded that Robinson's legacy continues through the people he influenced.

"He wasn't just Grambling's coach, he was our coach," noted Rev. Jesse Jackson.

Plans were announced for the completion of the Eddie Robinson Museum on campus with a commitment from the Secretary of the State of Louisiana to "make it happen".

The services concluded with a stirring rendition of the Grambling Alma Mater and, as if to boost the spirits of those in the audience, ended with the Grambling Fight Song.