Destined for greatness.
In a world of underdog stories, Bijan Robinson has had the ultimate pressure to succeed.
Ever since high school, the Atlanta Falcons running back has carried the burden of being a “generational talent” on his back.
Going into his third year in the NFL, it is all eyes on Robinson yet again.
College life
Following an incredibly successful high school career, Robinson was hot property in the eyes of college recruiters.
Having set an Arizona state record of 7,036 yards and 114 touchdowns – amongst other accolades – Robinson was a five-star recruit.
Following huge speculation, Robinson decided he was going to play for the University of Texas at Austin.
The running back’s college career was massively successful, having already earned his starting spot almost immediately in 2020.
It was obvious after one season at the college level that Robinson was going to be a future first-round NFL draft selection.
Robinson left college, finishing ninth in the Heisman Trophy award, and won the highly prestigious Doak Walker award.
Bijan Robinson, you’re an Atlanta Falcon
Robinson was selected as the eighth overall pick by the Falcons in the 2023 NFL draft.
Prior to the draft, most experts had Robinson getting selected within the top 15.
However, the overwhelming majority of pundits had him going 10th to the Philadelphia Eagles on their mock drafts.
The Falcons front office would ultimately decide to draft Robinson and make him the eighth overall pick.
Robinson agreed to a four-year rookie contract worth $21.96 million, which was fully guaranteed, on 12 May 2023.
Life as a rookie
From a personal perspective, Robinson should view his rookie season as a successful one.
He kicked off the campaign by making his debut against the Carolina Panthers, recording 56 yards and six receptions for 27 yards.
In the following week against the Green Bay Packers, Robinson improved on his tally in Week 1 with an impressive 129 yards and four receptions for 48 yards.
By the end of the campaign, the running back had tallied 16 starts in his rookie year.
In addition to his 58 receptions for 487 receiving yards and four receiving touchdowns, he finished with 214 carries for 976 rushing yards and four rushing scores.
Robinson ultimately finished an impressive third in the NFL for rushing yards and fifth for rushing touchdowns.
The future
But now, the pressure is on. It is as simple as that. Robinson is now a mainstay in a Falcons franchise looking to build.
Offensive talent within the roster is not short to come by, with the likes of Drake London and Michael Penix Jr. in place.
Overall, Robinson’s stats are top tier and he is currently fulfilling his potential. But football is a team sport.
Everything has gone well so far and he will be hoping to make his first playoff appearances this campaign.
