Hobby Musings: Catching up with Johnny Robinson – Being elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame is arguably the greatest honor a football player can achieve. As a member of the 2019 HOF class, it is an achievement that was realized by former Chiefs safety Johnny Robinson. Taking the time out of his busy schedule, Mr. Robinson took the time to speak about his experiences with the sports memorabilia world over the years.
KS: Mr. Robinson, first of all, congratulations on your election to the Hall of Fame. If you’ll allow me one non-memorabilia question, how did it feel when you first heard of the election?
JR: I was elated to finally receive the knock on the door and to have David Baker tell me that I had been selected for induction to the Hall of Fame. It is the pinnacle of my professional career.
KS: Looking at it from the memorabilia side, what was the first item you signed with the HOF inscription?
JR: The first item that I signed was a Hall of Fame helmet that they had me sign. It really felt great to write HOF 2019 along with my signature.
KS: The trading card and memorabilia industry has changed considerably from the time you were playing to now. Did you ever imagine it would get as big as it is now?
JR: No I didn’t. I’m fact, since I was inducted I have learned more about this because of the demands of being in the HOF. The requests never end.
KS: Did you keep any of your memorabilia from your playing career and HOF induction?
JR: I have some, but I donated my Super Bowl helmet and jersey, along with some significant trophies to the PFHOF in order that others may get to see these for generations.
KS: Looking back on it, is there any memorabilia that you wish you had kept or asked fellow players for?
JR: I guess if I knew how valuable a lot of things would become I would have kept some. It wasn’t unusual to give away jerseys and things back then because we didn’t know how valuable they would become. I’m glad that I did give some things away to special people in my life and pray that they have enjoyed having them.
KS: When you were playing, what was it like in terms of people asking you or your teammates for autographs?
JR: I think that has always been a part of sports especially in the professional realm. I always enjoyed signing for fans because they help make the games special. I always and still do appreciate the fans.
KS: What is the strangest thing anyone has ever asked you to autograph?
JR: I had someone want me to sign their bare arm once. I always wondered how long the guy waited until he washed that arm. LOL
KS: Conversely, is there an especially cool piece of memorabilia you remember being asked to sign?
JR: I signed the backs of stadium seats from the Kansas City stadium that had the number 4 on them. All of us HOF guys that played in Super Bowl IV signed them. Really neat idea.
Hobby Musings: Catching up with Johnny Robinson – Johnny Robinson Career Stats
| Games | Def Interceptions | Fumbles | ||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Year | Age | Tm | Pos | No. | G | GS | Int | Yds | TD | Lng | PD | FF | Fmb | FR | Yds | TD | Sk | Sfty |
| 1960 | 22 | DTX | FL | 42 | 14 | 14 | 8 | 0 | 0 | 0 | ||||||||
| 1961 | 23 | DTX | FL | 42 | 14 | 13 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | ||||||||
| 1962 | 24 | DTX | RS | 42 | 14 | 4 | 25 | 0 | 20 | |||||||||
| 1963* | 25 | KAN | RS | 42 | 14 | 3 | 41 | 0 | 19 | |||||||||
| 1964* | 26 | KAN | RS | 42 | 10 | 2 | 17 | 0 | 17 | |||||||||
| 1965*+ | 27 | KAN | RS | 42 | 14 | 5 | 99 | 0 | 50 | |||||||||
| 1966*+ | 28 | KAN | RS | 42 | 14 | 10 | 136 | 1 | 29 | |||||||||
| 1967*+ | 29 | KAN | RS | 42 | 14 | 5 | 17 | 0 | 10 | 1 | 3 | 7 | 0 | |||||
| 1968*+ | 30 | KAN | RS | 42 | 14 | 14 | 6 | 40 | 0 | 16 | 0 | 2 | 28 | 0 | ||||
| 1969+ | 31 | KAN | RS | 42 | 14 | 14 | 8 | 158 | 0 | 33 | ||||||||
| 1970*+ | 32 | KAN | FS | 42 | 14 | 14 | 10 | 155 | 0 | 57 | 0 | 1 | 46 | 1 | ||||
| 1971 | 33 | KAN | FS | 42 | 14 | 14 | 4 | 53 | 0 | 29 | ||||||||
| Career | 164 | 83 | 57 | 741 | 1 | 57 | 10 | 6 | 81 | 1 | ||||||||
Hobby Musings: Catching up with Johnny Robinson – More Resources
- Pro Football Hall of Fame Player Profile – Johnny Robinson
- Johnny Robinson – Secondary Market Pricing
For more Hobby Musings from Kelsey Schroyer, follow him on Twitter @KelSchroy75.
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