Derreck Lamar Robinson’s football career was the product of size, persistence, and a work ethic that repeatedly allowed him to overcome long odds. Born on March 3, 1982, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, Robinson developed into a powerful lineman in high school at DeLaSalle before enrolling at the University of Iowa, where he played for the Hawkeyes from 2001 through 2004. His time in Iowa City refined him as a run-stuffing interior presence and a dependable teammate who earned the respect of coaches and peers alike. (Wikipedia, hawkeyesports.com)
Despite a productive college career, Robinson was not selected in the 2005 NFL Draft. That setback did not end his pro ambitions: in the spring of 2005 he signed with the San Diego Chargers as an undrafted free agent, a move that began a professional journey through the league that would include stops with Miami and Cleveland and brief time with Dallas. Robinson’s path—undrafted to multi-team veteran—reflects the reality of many NFL careers, where determination and adaptability matter as much as draft position. (Pro-Football-Reference.com, ESPN.com)
On the field Robinson was known for his combination of size (listed at roughly 6’4″, 290–295 pounds) and a motor that helped him earn snaps on both defense and special teams. He totaled career statistics that included tackles, two sacks, and multiple pass deflections—numbers that only tell part of his value; coaches and teammates often pointed to his locker-room leadership, versatility, and willingness to work in any role asked of him. Those traits were on display in moments like his selection as an honorary team captain for Iowa in later years, when former teammates and program staff highlighted his ability to inspire younger players. (Wikipedia, hawkeyesports.com)
After his playing days, Robinson remained connected to the communities that shaped him. He settled in San Diego, where reports indicate he moved into real estate and stayed active around former teammates and local events. Peers remembered him not only for his physical presence on the line but for a warm personality and steady support for younger players coming through college programs—qualities that colleagues and fans repeatedly noted in tributes following his death. (Hawk Fanatic, X (formerly Twitter))
News of Robinson’s passing in August 2025 prompted reflections from college teammates, professional colleagues, and Hawkeye fans who recalled his role in memorable Iowa teams and his post-football engagement. Social posts and local accounts recorded athletes and friends sharing memories of a teammate who combined on-field grit with off-field generosity. At the time of writing, media coverage and the Iowa athletic community’s remembrances emphasized the impact he had at both the collegiate and professional levels, while refraining from speculation about personal circumstances. (Hawk Fanatic, X (formerly Twitter))
Derreck Robinson’s story is emblematic of many who chase professional sports dreams: a talented athlete who turned a collegiate platform into an NFL opportunity despite being overlooked in the draft, who reinvented himself after football, and who left an imprint on teammates and fans. As tributes continue to arrive from across the football world, his legacy will be remembered in the plays he made, the locker-room presence he provided, and the mentorship he offered the next generation of players. (Pro-Football-Reference.com, Hawk Fanatic)
