The University of Texas at Austin Athletics
Hall of Honor
- Induction:
- 2019
When it comes to Longhorn two-sport athletes in the modern era, there were few as successful as Brian Robison. He was a track & field All-American who helped the Longhorns to as high as an NCAA third-place team finish, while also being a three-year starter in football, including being a key contributor on the 2005 National Championship team. Robison transitioned his versatility and skill set from The University of Texas into a highly productive 11-year career in the NFL. Vince Young's winning touchdown in the 2005 National Championship Game was memorable, but Robison was a part of the Longhorns' famous defensive surge that halted USC on fourth down and set up Texas' game-winning drive. A few short months later, he finished second in the shot put at the 2006 NCAA Outdoor Championships to help the Longhorns to one of its best-ever track & field finishes and a team trophy (3rd place). A four-year track & field letterman, he won three Big 12 titles and twice earned All-America status during his throwing career for the Longhorns. On the gridiron, he lettered four times from 2003-06 and helped the Longhorns post 10 wins every year, a 44-8 overall record (28-4 in the Big 12) and three bowl wins that included a pair of historic Rose Bowl victories. Texas ranked among the Top 13 nationally in all four of his seasons, including No. 1 in 2005 and No. 4 in 2004. Robison started 36 games in his career, totaling 181 tackles, 42 tackles for loss and 14 sacks. A starter on the 2005 National Championship team, Robison helped the Horns to a perfect 13-0 season and contributed a career-best 58 tackles, team-leading 15 tackles for loss, seven sacks, 10 QB pressures, three forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries. He was named honorable mention All-Big 12 by the Associated Press in 2005, one of three times (2004-06) he garnered that distinction in his career. Robison burst onto the scene as a freshman in 2003, tying the school record with four blocked kicks that season. He totaled 38 tackles with four tackles for loss and six QB pressures. In 2004, Robison started all 12 games for the Longhorns' team that beat Michigan to win the Rose Bowl. He totaled 48 tackles with 14 tackles for loss, 18 QB pressures and an interception returned for a touchdown against Missouri. Robison finished his UT career with six blocked kicks, second-most in school history. His success on the football field, though, was rivaled by his accomplishments as a collegiate thrower. Robison garnered All-America recognition in track & field during both the indoor and outdoor seasons in 2006. He was a three-time Big 12 champion, winning the 2005 and 2006 shot put titles outdoors and also the 2006 discus crown. His two titles in 2006 helped the UT men to the Big 12 Outdoor Track & Field Championship. To this day, Robison is the No. 2 performer in the outdoor shot put (68-3.75) and the No. 7 performer in the discus (195-10), as well as ranking No. 7 indoors in the shot put (63-8.25) and weight throw (58-9.25). Robison was drafted by the Minnesota Vikings with the 102nd pick (4th round) of the 2007 Draft. He spent his entire 11-year career with the Vikings, playing in 173 games (103 starts) and totaling 287 tackles, 68 tackles for loss, 60 sacks and 112 QB hits. Robison was named to the PFWA All-Rookie Team in 2007 after totaling 26 tackles, eight TFL and 4.5 sacks. During his six-year prime (2011-16), Robision started 95 of 96 games for the Vikings. He is also a professional angler and founded The Brian Robision Reel 'Em In Foundation in 2015 with his wife, Jayme. The foundation was formed to provide financial, emotional and physical support to those in need. The mission is to make a positive impact through partnerships with existing organizations in local communities in Minnesota and Texas. Robison currently lives in the Tomball/Magnolia area outside of Houston where he is participating in professional fishing tournaments and soon will be creating a YouTube video fishing series.
