Ex-Kansas City Chiefs player and Georgia Tech standout Tony Robinson, is the new head coach of the Emirates American Football League (EAFL) side Abu Dhabi Wildcats.
In a statement, EAFL General Manager Dustin Cherniawski confirmed the appointment, saying: “There is no doubt that coach Robinson brings something really special to the table.
"Having experienced success at the highest levels of football, he knows exactly what it takes to win and we are excited to see him inject that winning spirit back into the Wildcats football club.”
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Robinson arrives in Abu Dhabi with an impressive CV, bringing with him almost a decade’s experience as a high school defensive coordinator in the US.
His team’s defenses regularly overachieved – particularly against bigger, higher ranked schools – setting numerous records for least points conceded, shutouts, playoff appearances, and yards allowed per game.
In addition, under his tutelage, two defensive linemen fulfilled their dreams of receiving full college scholarships.
He joins Andre Sommersell, drafted by the Oakland Raiders in 2004 and currently a defensive stalwart at Dubai Stallions, as the second ex-NFL player to join the EAFL.
“As a coach, I like to lead by example. I give my players all that I have when I am coaching them, and I expect the same in return from their play. The main thing I am looking for is great effort, and I can teach the rest,” explained Robinson.
His playing career was just as impressive. A hard-hitting defensive tackle who relentlessly hounded opposing quarterbacks, the Georgia native was one of the top defensive linemen in Georgia coming out of high school.
During his freshman year at Georgia Tech University in 1997, he logged 34 tackles and three quarterback sacks.
The following year, he was an integral part of a defense that set an NCAA record by scoring five weeks in a row en route to a 12-2 regular season record which culminated in winning the Gator Bowl against Notre Dame 35-28.
In all, Robinson played in an incredible four bowl games.
His work ethic and production on the field alerted teams from the NFL, and in 2001 Robinson signed for the Kansas City Chiefs as a free agent.
His professional career was brought to a premature end however, as a torn hamstring meant he never suited up for a regular season game for the AFC West division team.
Commenting on his expectations for the 2015/16 EAFL season, Robinson said: “We have a great deal of talent on the team, but we must be consistent in doing the fundamentals.
"I have been around this game a long time and have seen many talented teams lose to teams with less ability in terms of skill, but believe in being fundamentally sound.”
