James Elbert “Tootie” Robbins, an offensive tackle for 12 seasons in St. Louis/Phoenix Cardinals and the Green Bay Packers., died at age 62 in Chandler, AZ, on Aug 2 after contracting COVID-19.
Robbins’ niece, Lakeisha King, confirmed what a number of former teammates had posted on social media.
“He contacted COVID and it in return took my uncle’s life,” she wrote in an email. “But he is in heaven with his mom and dad now. Thank you for remembering my uncle. He is definitely missed.”
Robbins was a fourth-round pick out of East Carolina in 1982. He played 10 seasons for the Cardinals and two for the Packers, making 147 starts in 159 appearances.
Robbins’ former Phoenix Cardinals teammate Luis Sharpe said in a Facebook post that Robbins’ death hit him hard.
“My heart is heavy and saddened this evening as I found out James “Tootie” Robbins passed away today,” Sharpe wrote. “Tootie and I broke into the NFL together as draft picks with the St. Louis Cardinals in 1982. I send my heart felt condolences and prayers for wife Shaneeta and their son. Rest easy big fella until we see each other again…”
A Packers teammate also offered condolences.
My deepest condolences to my former teammate BIG TOOTIE ROBBINS FAMILY!! And friends RIP BIG FELLA , MAY GOD BLESS YOU!! , pic.twitter.com/nN6ljOJ3oS
— leroy butler (@leap36) August 3, 2020