The Pro Bowl votes have been finalized, and unfortunately, the process was completed without a single member from the Jacksonville Jaguars’ roster. Yes, not even the talented James Robinson.
While the Jags haven’t been deserving of any praise with a 1-13 record, Robinson undoubtedly deserved recognition on the all-star roster. As an undrafted rookie, he leads all rookies in rushing yards (1,070 yards) and is third in the league’s overall rushing category with only Derrick Henry (1,679 yards) and Minnesota Vikings running back Dalvin Cook (1,484 yards) ahead of him.
Of course, Robinson being overlooked can mostly be credited to the Jags playing in a small market and the limited exposure he received as the process is voted on by the fans. However, that still doesn’t take away from the sting as expressed by Robinson’s teammate Chris Thompson.
James didn’t make the Pro Bowl? Nah man idk what needs to be done but that’s beyond getting snubbed. 4th in the league in scrimmage yards. Smh. Y’all suck whoever “y’all” are. That’s not right. Idc what anybody says. I’m hurt bro. That’s life changing and he got robbed. UNDRAFTED
— Chris Thompson (@ChrisThompson_4) December 22, 2020
As Thompson pointed out, the “undrafted” part shouldn’t go unnoticed as Robinson has routinely set history in the category. In Week 14’s game against the Titans, he became the fourth undrafted rookie in NFL history to garner at least 1,000 rushing yards and also became the fastest to do so. He was also able to surpass Indianapolis Colts running back Dominic Rhodes (1,328 yards in 2001) in terms of total scrimmage yards by an undrafted player with a current total of 1,414.
The rushers who made the roster over Robinson for the AFC squad were Henry, Nick Chubb, and Josh Jacobs. Of course, as the rushing leader in the NFL, Henry has the best case of anyone, but Robinson is currently ahead of Chubb and Jacobs, who have 937 and 907 rushing yards, respectively.
The good news for Robinson is that he has plenty of years to prove his doubters wrong in the future. In fact, it may be just a matter of time before he gets some help, as the Jags have plenty of assets to build around him in 2021 and get him the recognition he deserves.