Keyshawn Johnson Saddened By Death Of Legendary Football Coach
11/12/2024 09:41 AM
The football world lost a beloved coach yesterday as former USC and Los Angeles Rams head coach John Robinson passed away at the age of 89. Tributes have been pouring out from countless family and loved ones, and USC legend Keyshawn Johnson counts himself among them.
Robinson took over at USC for his second stint with the team in 1993 following nine seasons with the Rams. One of his first orders of business was recruiting Johnson out of West Los Angeles College and giving the talented wideout a scholarship. Johnson rewarded Robinson with two incredibly strong seasons, helping the Trojans reach back-to-back top 15 finishes and earning countless accolades during his two years at the program en route to being the fourth wide receiver ever to go No. 1 overall in the NFL Draft.
Taking to X yesterday, Johnson offered his condolences to Robinson and credited him for the life he currently enjoys. He declared that he wouldn't have had the opportunity without him.
"Rip Coach! If it wasn't for you I wouldn't have had the opportunity to live the Dream I've been living 🙏🏾 #FightOnForever," Johnson wrote on X.
Rip Coach!
— Keyshawn Johnson (@keyshawn) November 12, 2024
If it wasn't for you I wouldn't have had the opportunity to live the Dream I've been living 🙏🏾#FightOnForeverpic.twitter.com/3VzdM4goyO
Robinson had the unenviable task of being the follow-up act to the legendary John McKay in 1976, taking over at USC after McKay became head coach of the expansion Tampa Bay Buccaneers. In his first four years he led the Trojans to a 42-7 record and three conference titles plus a share of the 1978 national championship.
Robinson stepped down as head coach of the Trojans after the 1982 season to become the head coach of the Los Angeles Rams, where he quickly helped restore the franchise to postseason contention. Over nine years he became the winningest coach in the history of the franchise, winning 75 of 143 games before being fired in 1991.
After a few years in broadcasting, Robinson returned to USC, going 37–21–2 in his second stint before being dismissed in 1997.
Robinson would serve six years as head coach of UNLV between 1999 and 2004, including a two-year run as athletic director, and was later an administrative consultant for the 2019 LSU Tigers football team.
Our hearts go out to Robinson's family and loved ones.
Related: Legendary Former USC, NFL Head Coach Died On Monday
