Brian Kabir Robinson Jr. Bio
Brian Kabir Robinson Jr. is an American professional football running back for the San Francisco 49ers of the National Football League (NFL). Born on March 22, 1999, in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, Robinson played college football for the Alabama Crimson Tide, where he became a two-time national champion. The Washington Commanders selected Robinson in the third round (98th overall) of the 2022 NFL Draft. Prior to his rookie season, he survived being shot twice during an armed robbery and returned to the field two months later, demonstrating remarkable resilience.
Early Life and Background
Robinson grew up in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, where he attended Hillcrest High School. As a senior, he rushed for 990 yards and 18 touchdowns, earning second-team Class 6A All-State honors. His high school performance attracted attention from major college programs across the Southeast.
Robinson was rated as a four-star running back recruit and chose to continue his football career at the University of Alabama over scholarship offers from Auburn, Georgia, Louisville, Ole Miss, South Carolina, and others.
Path to American Football
Robinson committed to play for the Alabama Crimson Tide, one of the premier football programs in college sports. He joined a roster that already featured future NFL running backs Najee Harris and Josh Jacobs, providing him with an opportunity to develop behind established talent.
During his freshman season in 2017, Robinson rushed for 165 yards and two touchdowns as a reserve player while Alabama captured the College Football Playoff National Championship. He continued in a limited role during the 2018 and 2019 seasons, gradually increasing his contributions as he carved out a larger spot in the rotation.
Robinson became Alabama’s primary running back during his fifth-year senior season in 2021. Despite battling injuries, he led the Southeastern Conference in carries and touchdowns. He earned MVP honors at the Cotton Bowl Classic after rushing for 204 yards, setting a school record for that bowl game. He finished the 2021 season with 1,343 rushing yards and 14 touchdowns, capping his collegiate career as a First-team All-SEC selection.
Brian Kabir Robinson Jr. Career
Washington Commanders (2022–2024)
The Washington Commanders selected Robinson in the third round (98th overall) of the 2022 NFL Draft. He signed his four-year rookie contract on May 18, 2022. Just before his rookie season began, Robinson survived a shooting incident during an armed robbery in Washington D.C. on August 28, 2022. He was struck in the knee and glute but suffered no life-threatening injuries and was discharged from the hospital the following day.
Robinson missed the first four games of the 2022 season before making his NFL debut in Week 5 against the Tennessee Titans, where he rushed nine times for 22 yards. He scored his first career touchdown the following week against the Chicago Bears, delivering a game-winning run in the fourth quarter. Robinson recorded his first 100-yard rushing game in Week 12 against the Atlanta Falcons. He finished his rookie season with 797 rushing yards and two touchdowns across 12 games with nine starts. Sports Illustrated recognized him as their 2022 Inspiration of the Year, and he was also voted Washington’s Ed Block Courage Award winner.
In the 2023 season, Robinson started 15 games and recorded 733 rushing yards and five touchdowns to complement 36 receptions for 368 yards and four receiving touchdowns. His standout performance came in Week 10 against the Seattle Seahawks, where he caught six passes for 119 yards and a touchdown in a narrow loss.
During the 2024 season, Robinson set new career highs with 799 rushing yards and eight touchdowns over 14 games. He posted a 133-yard performance in Week 2 and recorded his third 100-yard game of the season in Week 13 against the Tennessee Titans. In the playoffs, Robinson contributed 77 rushing yards and two touchdowns in Washington’s Divisional Round victory over the Detroit Lions that advanced the team to the NFC Championship Game.
San Francisco 49ers Era (2025–Present)
On August 24, 2025, Robinson was traded to the San Francisco 49ers in exchange for a sixth-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. He joined a 49ers team that featured Christian McCaffrey as the primary running back.
Robinson appeared in all 17 regular season games as McCaffrey’s primary backup, contributing 400 rushing yards and two touchdowns while also featuring on special teams and short-yardage situations. His versatility and durability provided valuable depth for the 49ers offense throughout the season.
Driving Style and Strengths
Robinson is known for his physical running style and ability to break tackles in short-yardage situations. His college background at Alabama, one of the most competitive football programs in the nation, prepared him for the physical demands of the NFL. He has demonstrated the ability to contribute as both a rusher and receiver out of the backfield.
Notable Events and Milestones
Robinson’s recovery from the August 2022 shooting incident and return to NFL gameplay within two months stands as one of the most remarkable stories in recent professional football history. His perseverance earned him recognition from Sports Illustrated and his peers, setting the tone for a career defined by resilience and determination.
Brian Kabir Robinson Jr. Career Statistics
Across his NFL career, Robinson has established himself as a reliable starting running back. He appeared in 41 games with 34 starts during his three seasons with the Washington Commanders, consistently demonstrating his ability to contribute both on the ground and through the air.
NFL Career Highlights
Robinson has accumulated 2,729 career rushing yards with a 4.1 yards-per-carry average and 17 rushing touchdowns. He has also contributed as a receiver with 73 receptions for 612 yards and five receiving touchdowns. His career highlight includes multiple 100-yard rushing performances and consistent production as a reliable three-down back capable of handling significant workloads.
College and Award Highlights
During his collegiate career at Alabama, Robinson was a member of two national championship teams (2017 and 2020). He earned First-team All-SEC honors as a senior in 2021 and was named MVP of the Cotton Bowl Classic after setting a school record with 204 rushing yards in that game.
| Category | Stat |
|---|---|
| Rushing Yards | 2,729 |
| Rushing Average | 4.1 |
| Rushing Touchdowns | 17 |
| Receptions | 73 |
| Receiving Yards | 612 |
| Receiving Touchdowns | 5 |
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season marked Robinson’s first year with the San Francisco 49ers after being acquired via trade from Washington. He served as Christian McCaffrey’s primary backup and appeared in all 17 regular season games, contributing on special teams and short-yardage situations while providing valuable depth at the running back position.
Robinson recorded 400 rushing yards and two touchdowns during the 2025 season. His ability to stay healthy and remain productive in a limited role demonstrated his professionalism and adaptability to a new offensive system. His presence gave the 49ers a reliable alternative when rest or matchup adjustments were needed.
Looking ahead, Robinson continues to be an integral part of the 49ers’ backfield rotation. His experience, work ethic, and championship pedigree from his Alabama career position him as a valuable veteran presence for a franchise with sustained Super Bowl aspirations.