Corey Robinson Decides Not To Play Football In 2016
Irish senior receiver Corey Robinson announced Wednesday that he is opting not to continue his football career in 2016.
Robinson suffered a concussion early in spring drills and, after enduring multiple in his collegiate career, saw a specialist in that field in April after missing the bulk of the practices.
"After much contemplation and prayer, I have decided not to continue playing football due to multiple concussions," Robinson said in a statement. "I culdn't have come to this difficult personal decision without the incredible support from so many within the Notre Dame football program. I am extremely thankful to Coach Kelly and his staff for the life-changing opportunity to play football at the greatest university in the world. I will continue to help our team as a student assistant and look forward to a great senior year."
"This was an extremely tough decision for Corey," head coach Brian Kelly said in a statement. "He's such a committed kid to everything he does — whether it be academics, football, community service or campus leadership initiatives — that he wanted to finish his four-year career on the field. He was so excited to lead a group of young receivers this fall."
Kelly added that Robinson sets a "remarkable example for all our players."
The receiver did not participate in The Program Athletics' workout events with the team during the past week. Kelly indicated Tuesday that he has met with Robinson on multiple occasions and provided advice.
"We provided him information and then I talked to his dad," Kelly said. "His dad has been very, very involved in the process. Then that becomes an individual decision, much like a draft decision. We're going to give you some of our insight and info and then provide you with these resources and then you can make the decision that's best for you."
Kelly maintained throughout the spring that Robinson was considering his options.
“I think you have these evaluations and I think his family will be involved in it so you can make a great decision on where you want to go,” Kelly said. “He hasn't alluded to one way or the other. He's doing this because he certainly cares about playing football. If he didn't, he probably wouldn't go through this evaluation. He would just say, 'I'm done.' Clearly he feels as though football is important and he wants to get obviously the medical expertise necessary to make an informed decision. We're supportive and Corey's a very thoughtful kid and his dad's going to be part of the process. His family's going to be part of it and I think that's great.”
In February, Robinson was elected student body president by his peers. According to Notre Dame, he is the first football player to serve in that capacity.
Last fall, Robinson not only participated on the football team and took 18 credits in the classroom, but he also wrote his senior thesis — as a junior — started a non-profit organization and served as an athletic representative in student government. He said he wanted to whittle that down to “only” football and student government in 2016.
Robinson applied for a Rhodes Scholarship, Fulbright Scholarship and pondered whether to apply for acceptance in Notre Dame’s ACE (Alliance for Catholic Education Program), which includes two years as a teacher that culminates in receiving a Master’s of Education.
“I had to seriously consider what I wanted to do,” Robinson said in February. “My parents asked if I wanted to pursue graduate studies. I think it was definitely worth it to run for student body president and coming back as an undergraduate as opposed to graduating and coming back as a [graduate] student.”
The San Antonio, Texas, native admitted earlier this year that he considered ending his football career, but said he was committed to excelling in that area while serving as student body president.
“I really wanted to go do a year of service in Brazil or go do ACE and get my Master's,” he said. “There are a lot of things that are incredible opportunities that I really had to weigh out with my family. There was definitely a possibility.
“I talked to my dad and [former Notre Dame student body president and fencer Alex Coccia] and they both said you don't understand how valuable this experience is in college to be able to not only play for Notre Dame but also increase your impact here and give back to the university that gave you so much and that you love so much. Those things that I want to do, I can always do a year of service after this next year. I can always do ACE.”
Robinson played in 38 games in three seasons for the Irish. His sophomore season was the most productive, when he caught 40 passes for 539 yards and five touchdowns.
That season propelled him to the first round in some mock drafts prior to the start of the 2015 season. As a junior, however, his output fell off, with 16 receptions for 200 yards and a score. He battled a knee injury for much of the fall.
Regardless of Robinson’s decision, Notre Dame is set to enter the 2016 with a deep depth chart at receiver. Senior Torii Hunter is expected to gain the bulk of the production with Will Fuller in the NFL. A number of underclassmen are expected to rise this fall, including Alizé Jones, who split time during the spring at receiver and tight end.