Bryan Robinson, a former NFL defensive lineman out of Fresno State, has died. He was 41.
Robinson was found at a Milwaukee motel Saturday night, according to the Chicago Tribune. An autopsy done Monday by the Milwaukee County Medical Examiner’s Office found no trauma, and the cause of death is pending results of toxicology tests.
Staff at the Midpoint Motel — where Robinson was reportedly a regular guest — discovered him at about 8:30 p.m. local time after entering his room. He had rented the room for six hours and had not departed on time, after checking in with an unidentified male who left between 4 p.m. and 5 p.m., according to the police report.
Nicknamed “Big Dog,” Robinson grew up in Toledo, Ohio, and was originally signed by the St. Louis Rams as an undrafted free agent in 1997. He went on to play for the Miami Dolphins (2004), Cincinnati Bengals (2005-2007) and Arizona Cardinals (2008-2010, a stint that included a trip to the Super Bowl).
However, it was with the Chicago Bears from 1998 to 2003 that Robinson had the biggest impact on fans and the league.
He made one of the most memorable and emotional plays in recent Bears history on Nov. 7, 1999, against the Green Bay in the first Chicago game since the death of Walter Payton. Robinson blocked a 28-yard Ryan Longwell field goal attempt in the final seconds to preserve a 14-13 victory over the Packers.
“I think Walter Payton actually picked me up a little bit and boosted me up in the air because I can’t jump that high,” Robinson said af
“My heart is broken,” former Bears defensive coordinator Greg Blache said Monday, according to the Tribune. “It is hard to explain because I have a big void in my chest. A lot of people play for you … but B-Rob was one of my guys. He was welcome to my house.”
See the Twitter statement from the Bears below.
Our thoughts and prayers go out to Bryan Robinson's family and friends. pic.twitter.com/TFdMdRWCCm
— Chicago Bears (@ChicagoBears) June 13, 2016