No story in the NFL this season has quite compared to that of Brian Robinson Jr.’s. The running back's rookie season took a horrifying turn on Aug. 29 when he was shot twice in an attempted robbery in Washington, D.C.
Major damage was avoided in his ligaments and bones, but he was sidelined, and few, if any, would have faulted him for wanting to sit out for longer.
Robinson, however, was back in the building smiling with his teammates just two days after the incident. Because of Robinson's strength and unshakeable love of football, the next several weeks featured a series of remarkable milestones, including making his regular season debut just 42 days after receiving his injuries.
"I never thought I'd be in a situation where I had to question or be questioned if I would be able to return back to playing football," he said as he made his way back to playing.
Fast forward to today and Robinson, despite missing for games, leads the team in rushing (710), rushing attempts (181) and rushing yards per game (64.5). He ranks second in the league amongst all rookies in rushing yards per game.
His character has shined bright throughout this journey. For the way he has approached this season, Robinson was awarded the team's 2022 Ed Block Courage Award on Wednesday. The honor is given annually to a player from each National Football League team who displays extraordinary courage in the face of adversity.
Robinson was full of gratitude after learning the news. The people that chose him were a significant source of support as he worked to comeback, and they continue to motivate him every day.
"That means a lot to me to be acknowledged for all the hard work that I've put in, just to be acknowledged by all the people around here," Robinson said. "I couldn't thank them anymore for nominating me and picking me to be the courage award guy. I'm thankful for everybody who chose me."
Here's a morning roundup of what the local and national media have to say about the Washington Commanders on Thursday, Dec. 29, 2022. All reports, rumors and conjecture are a reflection of the media conversation and are not endorsed or confirmed by the Washington Commanders.
The reports and deals expressed in this article have not been confirmed by Washington, nor do they reflect any insider information from anyone in the front office.
- The Richmond-Times Dispatch's Michael Phillips writes about Carson Wentz' return and the Commanders' search for an offensive spark.
- The Washington Post's Nicki Jhabvala reports on the Commanders naming Carson Wentz as the starting quarterback.
- The Washington Post's Nicki Jhabvala writes about how Jahan Dotson re-emerged as a menace to defenses.
- The Athletic's Ben Standig and David Aldridge write about Chase Young's return, the Commanders playoff picture and more.
- The Washington Post's Sam Fortier writes that Chase Young is ready to "be that dog" again.
- The Washington Post's Jerry Brewer gives his perspective on the Commanders quarterback situation.
- The Washington Post's Nicki Jhabvala reports on the Commanders' loss to the 49ers.
- The Washington Times' Matthew Paras writes about the Commanders' quarterback situation.
- NBC Sports Washington's Ethan Cadeaux reports on Ron Rivera's decision about the Commanders' starting quarterback.
- NBC Sports Washington's JP Finlay gives his stock reports after the Commanders' game against the 49ers.
- The Athletic's Ben Standig provides some more perspective on the Commanders' quarterback situation.
- USA Today's Bryan Manning writes that Kam Curl was sorely missed against the 49ers.
Check Out What's On Commanders.com:
- NFC playoff picture | All the playoff scenarios heading into Week 17
- 'We control our destiny': Commanders refocus for final playoff push
- Rivera names Carson Wentz Commanders' starting quarterback vs. Browns
- Numbers to know from Washington's Christmas Eve matchup with San Francisco
- 5 takeaways from Washington's loss against San Francisco
- Commanders-49ers Stats & Snaps
- Instant analysis | Commanders drop second straight with loss to 49ers
The Washington Commanders are on the field warming up for their Week 16 matchup against the San Francisco 49ers. (Emilee Fails/Washington Commanders)