Allen Robinson II Announces Retirement After 11 NFL Seasons

Allen Robinson II, a former NFL wide receiver, officially announced his retirement from professional football on Monday after an 11-season career. Robinson shared a reflective video on Instagram about his journey in the NFL, highlighting his experiences and connections with coaches and teammates.

Robinson entered the league as a second-round draft pick in 2014 by the Jacksonville Jaguars. Over his career, he played for six teams, including four full seasons with the Jaguars, and stints with the Chicago Bears, Los Angeles Rams, Pittsburgh Steelers, and Detroit Lions. He finished with 565 receptions, 7,058 receiving yards, and 43 touchdowns.

In 2023, Robinson was traded to the Pittsburgh Steelers, where he caught 34 passes for 280 yards over 17 games. His final NFL season was in 2024 with the Detroit Lions, appearing in 12 games and recording 3 catches for 30 yards. He also spent time on the New York Giants' preseason roster but did not play in regular season games for them.

Robinson praised former Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin in his retirement message.

"Shoutout to Coach Tomlin and the Pittsburgh Steelers. I had one of the strongest connections coach-wise with Coach Tomlin. When he coached, the things that he said day in and day out was an experience like no other, to the point where I called my agent and I told him that I didn’t know that I could play for any other coach other than Coach Tomlin," Robinson said.

He reflected on his time with the Steelers and the players he enjoyed competing alongside.

"I feel like I enjoyed playing the game again," Robinson said. "Playing with George Pickens, playing with Diontae Johnson, playing with Calvin Austin, those guys kept me young."

Robinson also spoke about his career and future prospects in March 2025, shortly after his last season.

"I wanted to look back and have no regrets," Robinson said at that time. "And that’s kind of where I’m at with it is that I don’t have (any). I’ve put everything I’ve had into this game."

He discussed the challenges of deciding his future and balancing family life.

"For me it’s more so about figuring out what my future in this game and in this league looks like," he said. "Playing, finishing Season 11, having a family, figuring out different things with them, moving around and stuff like that. So for me it’s now just taking time to evaluate what next year looks like for me in general.

That’s kind of where I’m at with it. So I’m taking some time to make this decision with my family."

Robinson praised the coaches he worked with throughout his career, calling the experience a blessing.

"Just reflecting back a little bit, man, it’s been a heck of a journey," he said. "I’ve been blessed to play for some great coaches in the past three years. I played for coach (Sean) McVay, coach (Mike) Tomlin, coach (Dan) Campbell with the Lions, who are all some of the best in the game.

Being around coach (Brian) Daboll with the Giants, who’s a phenomenal coach and a great offensive mind. I’ve been able to learn so much football and learn just so much in general to where it’s truly been a blessing to be able to have experience that I don’t think it’s anything else in my life that would’ve been able to take me to see the world in the sense."

After retiring from playing, Robinson has started a career in sports media with his Press Release Podcast, indicating he will remain connected to football in a new role.