Jun 17, 2016

Notre Dame Player Retires

“After much contemplation and prayer, I have decided not to continue playing football due to multiple concussions,” Robinson said. “I couldn’t have come to this difficult personal decision without the incredible support from so many within the Notre Dame football program.”

 Head Coach Brian Kelly described Robinson as highly committed to all his pursuits.

“He sets a remarkable example for all of our players,” Kelly said, “not only how to represent yourself on and off the field, but also how working hard through adversity can lead to tremendous success.”

Corey Robinson’s father, David Robinson, had encouraged him to pursue a career in football if he wanted, but also was supportive of a different direction.

“Playing in the NFL is an amazing opportunity,” David Robinson said. “Some people would give their left arm to do it. But at the same time, if you have the opportunity to do other things — be a Rhodes Scholar, be student body president — those are things you need to weigh. To me, it’s about understanding what your calling is.”

Robinson is believed to be the first Notre Dame football player to be elected student body president. He has studied in South Africa and Jerusalem, and while his application to be a Rhodes Scholar was denied, he said he will continue to apply until he turns 25 and reaches the age limit. He has also co-founded a non-profit, “One Shirt, One Body,” which gives athletic clothes to children who are in need. In his “spare” time, Robinson plays 10 instruments.

“There’s this notion or stigma that you have to only do one thing year-round, and you can’t be excellent at something if you’re passionate about two things,” Robinson said after his election as student body president. “I think we’re actually crippling a lot of our student-athletes.”