The Eagles are saddened to learn that former Pro Bowl linebacker Wayne Robinson passed away Sunday at the age of 85.
Known as the "Big Swede," Robinson spent his entire five-year NFL playing career in Philadelphia after he was selected in the eighth round of the 1952 NFL Draft out of Minnesota. He was nominated for the Pro Bowl following the 1954 and '55 seasons. He was also a Sporting News first-team All-Pro selection in 1955 and '56. Robinson played in a total of 58 games during his Eagles career.
In 2007, an expert panel put together by the The Philadelphia Inquirer named Robinson as the 44th best player in franchise history.
"(Pro Football) Hall of Famer Art Donovan said Robinson was every bit as ferocious as fellow 'Suicide Seven' linebacker Chuck Bednarik," wrote The Inquirer. "The two-time Pro Bowler was famous for his hits on unsuspecting receivers coming across the middle."
Following his playing career, Robinson was an assistant coach at the college ranks (University of Iowa), the Canadian Football League (Winnipeg Blue Bombers) and the NFL (Houston Oilers, Green Bay Packers and the Atlanta Falcons). He was the head coach of the CFL's British Columbia Lions from 1959-61.
