Keilan Robinson Bio
Keilan Robinson (born February 16, 2000) is an American professional football running back and return specialist for the New York Jets of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Alabama Crimson Tide and Texas Longhorns before being selected by the Jacksonville Jaguars in the fifth round of the 2024 NFL draft. Robinson has also been affiliated with the Philadelphia Eagles during his young professional career.
Early Life and Background
Robinson was born in Washington, D.C., on February 16, 2000. He attended St. John’s College High School in Washington, D.C., where he established himself as a top-tier running back. He earned All-D.C. honors as both a junior and senior while helping his team capture the Washington Catholic Athletic Conference championship.
Robinson was invited to play in the prestigious Under Armour All-America Game, showcasing his talents among the nation’s top high school prospects. He was rated as a four-star recruit, ranking as the second-best prospect in Washington, D.C., the 15th-best running back in the country, and the 244th-best player overall according to 247Sports. His impressive high school career led him to commit to play college football for the Alabama Crimson Tide.
Path to American Football
Robinson began his collegiate career at the University of Alabama in 2019. As a true freshman, he appeared in eight games and made an immediate impact, recording 34 carries for 254 yards and two touchdowns. His early production demonstrated the versatility and speed that would define his playing style.
During the 2020 season, Robinson opted out due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Although he was inactive as Alabama went undefeated and won the College Football Playoff National Championship over Ohio State, he was awarded three championship rings. These rings later appeared on a 2022 episode of Pawn Stars and were sold for a total of $40,000.
Following the season, Robinson entered the NCAA transfer portal and transferred to the Texas Longhorns. This move marked a significant chapter in his development as both a rusher and special teams contributor.
Keilan Robinson Career
College Career at Texas (2021–2023)
In his first season at Texas in 2021, Robinson showcased his dual-threat ability, rushing for 322 yards on 45 attempts while scoring three touchdowns. He also contributed in the passing game with seven receptions for 57 yards. His performances earned him honorable mention recognition for the Big 12 Conference Newcomer of the Year award.
The 2022 season saw Robinson continue his development as a versatile weapon. He ran 25 times for 86 yards while catching 20 passes for 219 yards and three touchdowns. His special teams excellence was particularly notable, as he earned honorable mention for Big 12 Special Teams Player of the Year and was an honorable mention All-Big 12 as a return specialist. He ranked third in the conference with 405 kick return yards and averaged 25.2 yards per return. He also contributed four tackles, a blocked punt return touchdown, and a blocked punt during the season.
In his final collegiate season in 2023, Robinson totaled 12 rushes for 134 yards and three touchdowns, adding eight catches for 56 yards. He was also a dynamic return specialist, accumulating 494 kick return yards and scoring a touchdown on 22 returns. His standout season earned him fourth-team All-Big 12 recognition from Phil Steele. Following the 2023 campaign, Robinson declared for the 2024 NFL draft and participated in the NFL Scouting Combine.
Jacksonville Jaguars (2024)
Robinson was selected by the Jacksonville Jaguars in the fifth round with the 167th overall pick in the 2024 NFL draft. He signed his four-year rookie contract worth $4.30 million. However, his rookie season was interrupted when he was placed on injured reserve on August 27, 2024. He was activated on November 19 and appeared in six games, recording two kick returns for 34 yards in a Week 14 victory over the Tennessee Titans. Robinson was released by the Jaguars on June 4, 2025.
Philadelphia Eagles (2025)
On June 6, 2025, Robinson was claimed off waivers by the Philadelphia Eagles. He was later waived on August 25, 2025, continuing his journey through the NFL.
New York Jets (2025–Present)
Robinson joined the New York Jets on September 9, 2025, signing to their practice squad. He was subsequently placed on the practice squad injured list on September 18, 2025. His tenure with the Jets represents a new chapter in his professional career as he continues to develop as a running back and return specialist.
Driving Style and Strengths
Robinson possesses breakaway speed and exceptional quickness that make him a threat both as a runner and returner. His 5-foot-8 frame allows him to navigate through small gaps and change direction rapidly. His experience returning kicks at Texas, where he averaged over 25 yards per return, demonstrates his ability to find creases and accelerate upfield. His versatility to contribute in the running game, passing game, and special teams provides value to any roster.
Notable Events and Milestones
Robinson’s collegiate career included several memorable moments, from his productive freshman season at Alabama to his special teams excellence at Texas. His 2023 season with the Longhorns featured a kick return touchdown and consistent production as both a rusher and receiver. In the NFL, his Week 14 kick returns against the Tennessee Titans represented his first significant statistical contributions at the professional level.
Keilan Robinson Career Statistics
Robinson has appeared in six NFL games across his professional career, primarily contributing as a return specialist. His limited sample size reflects his developmental role and time spent on injured reserve during his rookie season.
College Highlights
Across four seasons at Alabama and Texas, Robinson established himself as a versatile offensive weapon. His best statistical season came in 2021 at Texas, where he rushed for 322 yards and three touchdowns while adding receiving production. His special teams impact was most pronounced in 2022 and 2023, when he earned conference recognition as a return specialist and accumulated over 900 combined return yards with two touchdowns over those two seasons.
Professional Career Stats
Through the 2025 season, Robinson has recorded 34 return yards in NFL play. His career is still in its early stages as he continues to carve out a role in the league.
| Competition | Games | Return Yards |
|---|---|---|
| NFL Career | 6 | 34 |
Keilan Robinson Family
Family Background
Public information regarding Robinson’s family background, including his parents and any family connections to football, is not extensively documented in available sources. He was born and raised in Washington, D.C., where he attended St. John’s College High School.
Personal Life
Robinson maintains a public presence on Instagram under the handle @k__rob. Information regarding his marital status, spouse, or children is not publicly available. He continues to pursue his professional football career following his collegiate career at two major programs.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season has been a transitional year for Robinson. After being released by the Jacksonville Jaguars in June, he was claimed by the Philadelphia Eagles but did not secure a roster spot with the team. His signing to the New York Jets practice squad in September represented an opportunity to continue developing in the league.
Robinson’s early-season placement on the Jets practice squad injured list limited his availability for game action. The Jets continue to evaluate his contributions as both a running back and return specialist. His speed and versatility remain his strongest attributes as he works to establish himself at the professional level.
Looking ahead, Robinson aims to stay healthy and demonstrate his abilities in training camp and preseason competition. His experience at Alabama and Texas, combined with his special teams prowess, provides a foundation for potential contributions if he can earn a roster spot. His journey through three teams in less than two seasons underscores the competitive nature of the NFL and the challenges facing mid-round draft picks trying to establish themselves in the league.