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Legendary Coach Eddie Robinson

Legendary Coach Eddie Robinson
Legendary Coach Eddie Robinson

Legendary Coach Eddie Robinson

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AP

Eddie Robinson was hired by Grambling State University, a historically black college in rural Louisiana, in 1941. In his second year at the school, Grambling went 9-0 and didn't give up a single point.

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Ronald C. Modra/SI

When Grambling beat Prairie View A&M 27-7 on Oct. 5, 1985, Robinson earned career win No. 324, passing Paul "Bear" Bryant as the winningest coach in college football history.

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AP

Robinson received a call from President Bill Clinton after becoming the first college football coach to win 400 games.

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Robinson finished his career with a of record of 408-165-15 during his 57 years at Grambling. He won 17 Southwestern Athletic Conference Championships and had a streak of 27 consecutive winning seasons (1960-86).

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Known as a hands-on coach and a great motivator, Robinson sent more than 200 players to the NFL, including Super Bowl XXII MVP Doug Williams.

AP

Robinson's last game came in the Bayou Classic on Nov. 29, 1997. Grambling lost to Southern University 30-7.

AP

After retiring, Robinson was succeeded by one of his former star players, Doug Williams.

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AP

Robinson was inducted to the College Football Hall of Fame shortly after he retired.

AP

Robinson continued to motivate after his retirement and talked to the Notre Dame players before their first game of the 1999 season.

AP

In his later years, Robinson was diagnosed with Alzheimer's. Once one of the most ebullient personalities in sports, Robinson became quiet and distant before his death.

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