AFI’s All-Europe Team: Defensive Backs – Darius Robinson, Wroclaw Panthers

When voting for defensive backs it was hard to ignore the year that former Clemson Tiger Darius Robinson had. From January until September, Robinson was a game-changing impact player for two different title contenders in two different leagues.

Robinson’s speed, ball skills, and overall awareness made him a lockdown corner on defense taking on the opponent’s top receiver week in and week out. On special teams, Robinson’s elite burst and long strides put fans on the edge of their seats as the speedster can go the distance at any point. Currently, Robinson has re-signed to be a part of the ELF’s Wroclaw Panthers once again in 2022.

Wroclaw head coach Jakub Samel on his star defensive back:

“Darius is a phenomenal leader on and off the field. Not only he’s a game-changer in all phases of the game but shows everyone what it takes to be a professional. His mindset and effort elevates the level of play of everyone on our team.”

From June to September, the 5’11”, 185 pound 29-year-old from Atlanta, Georgia was an integral part of the Wroclaw Panthers playoff run in the inaugural season in the European League of Football. Playing in 11 games, Robinson made 31 tackles, four tackles for a loss, and eight pass breakups to go along with three interceptions for 108 yards, and two touchdowns. The former shifty returner also added value as an impactful special teams’ player, returning two kicks for touchdowns and blocking two field goals. Robinson averaged nearly 33 yards a return and ended the season with 566 all-purpose yards and four total touchdowns.

Robinson spent the winter and spring prior to the ELF season playing for the Las Rozas Black Demons in Spain. The veteran’s impact was felt immediately as he became one of the country’s top cornerbacks and kick returners. Robinson was part of an excellent Black Demons defense that ended the season as the league runners-up.

In 2019, Robinson played cornerback and kick returner for the Austrian champions, the Swarco Raiders and was a key to the team’s undefeated season. He was named Central European Football League MVP. Robinson spent the 2018 season with the Braunschweig New Yorker Lions in the German Football League. Playing on one of the best secondaries in Europe, he recorded 40 passes defended and had seven interceptions (177 INT return yards) two defensive touchdowns, nine pass breakups and 32 tackles in 16 games (GFL & Big 6). He allowed 1.3 catches per game /15.6 receiving yards allowed per game.

A former High School All-American, he was a three-year starter at Clemson and over his career amassed 70 tackles, four tackles for loss, six interceptions for 40 yards, one returned for a touchdown, one quarterback pressure, and seventeen pass breakups. He was named team captain in his senior year and also played in the 2014 Orange Bowl against the Ohio State Buckeyes which the Tigers won 40-35.

Robinson briefly reached the NFL as he was signed by the Buffalo Bills but injured his shoulder at training camp. The injury led to his release prior to the 2014 season. After starting his own business, he continued working out, staying in football-ready shape while running his business.

Read more about Darius Robinson’s football journey

Watch Robinson’s 2021 ELF highlights here: 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6MvyNiACtPI