The road less traveled is a familiar one for Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Mark Robinson .
Once a junior college running back, Robinson has steadily transformed himself into a trusted depth piece on defense and a key contributor on special teams. Now entering his fourth NFL season, the former Ole Miss standout is once again fighting to prove his worth in a crowded linebacker room, a scenario he knows all too well.
This season presents a fresh set of challenges. Robinson will be working under a new position coach, Brian McCurley, and facing roster pressure from rookie Carson Bruener , a seventh-round pick from Washington with a high motor and strong instincts. It's the kind of uphill climb Robinson has made a career out of conquering.
"Just another opportunity to play the game I love, man," Robinson told Alan Saunders of Steelers Now. "God blesses us with years and a career, man. Just take advantage of it."
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Mark Robinson at training camp on July 25, 2024. — Ed Thompson / Steelers Now
The Steelers' inside linebacker group might be the deepest and most talented it's been in recent years. Patrick Queen , a former first-round pick and Pro Bowler, returns for his second season in black and gold. Payton Wilson , a 2024 third-day draft steal, impressed as a rookie with 78 tackles and strong sideline to sideline range. The team also signed Malik Harrison in free agency, adding further experience to the unit, and veteran Cole Holcomb is expected to return to full health.
That leaves Robinson in a familiar position, fighting for one of the final linebacker spots on the 53-man roster. He currently appears to hold the edge as the fifth linebacker in the rotation, but Bruener's presence could make for a close call come August.
What gives Robinson an advantage is his special teams résumé. In 2024, he logged more than 300 special teams snaps and carved out a niche as a core player in Danny Smith's unit, a role that often makes the difference when coaches finalize roster decisions.
If there's one thing that defines Robinson's career, it's resilience. From his days as a converted linebacker at Ole Miss to carving out a roster spot as a seventh-round pick, he's consistently answered the call.
The climb doesn't get easier, but Robinson wouldn't have it any other way.
Pittsburgh Steelers inside linebacker Mark Robinson during a preseason game against the Houston Texans on Aug. 9, 2024. — Ed Thompson / Steelers Now
Acquired :The Steelers drafted Robinson out of Ole Miss with the 225th overall pick in the seventh round of the 2022 NFL Draft.
Last Season : While Mark Robinson didn't make any defensive starts in 2024 and logged just eight snaps on that side of the ball, he found his value on special teams, particularly in the coverage units. He was one of only four Steelers to log more than 300 special teams snaps, finishing the season with six tackles and two forced fumbles.
Career:Mark Robinson has proven to be a reliable depth piece capable of contributing on defense when called upon. In 2023 , he logged 151 defensive snaps, finishing the season with 30 total tackles, one sack and a forced fumble. As a rookie in 2022, Robinson appeared in just four games but still managed to make an impression, particularly in his first career start against the Ravens, where he recorded six tackles. A downhill, physical linebacker, Robinson uses his instincts, sharpened by his background as a former running back, to diagnose plays effectively. He has also carved out a niche as a consistent special teams contributor, offering value across multiple phases of the game.
Steelers linebacker Mark Robinson during an OTAs practice on May 21, 2024. — Ed Thompson/ Steelers Now
| Year |
GP |
GS |
Tackles |
Sacks |
FFs |
INTs |
DEF Snaps |
PFF Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 |
4 |
2 |
9 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
44 |
27.6 |
| 2023 |
17 |
2 |
30 |
1 |
1 |
0 |
151 |
54.6 |
| 2024 |
17 |
0 |
6 |
0 |
2 |
0 |
8 |
69.5 |
College : Robinson started his collegiate career at Presbyterian College as a running back. As a true freshman, Robinson played in 11 games and recorded 75 carries, 332 rushing yards, and five touchdowns. He led the team in rushing touchdowns and became the first Presbyterian player to rush for two touchdowns in a game since 2015.
Prior to the 2018 season, Robinson transferred to Southeast Missouri State and played in 13 games as a sophomore. Robinson carried the ball 74 times for 364 yards and four touchdowns.
Robinson appeared in all 13 games again in 2019 as he finished with 117 carries for 546 yards and seven touchdowns. In his second season for the Redhawks, Robinson's workload increased and so did his stats because of it.
| Year |
School |
GP |
Carries |
Yards |
AVG |
TDs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 |
Presbyterian |
11 |
75 |
332 |
4.4 |
5 |
| 2018 |
SEMO |
13 |
74 |
364 |
4.9 |
4 |
| 2019 |
SEMO |
13 |
117 |
546 |
4.7 |
7 |
ATLANTA, GA Ð SEPTEMBER 06: Ole Miss linebacker Mark Robinson (35) reacts after a defensive stop during the Chick-fil-A Kick-Off Game between the Louisville Cardinals and the Ole Miss Rebels on September 6th, 2021 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA. (Photo by Rich von Biberstein/Icon Sportswire)
Following the 2019 season, Robinson decided to transfer to Ole Miss but had to sit out a year due to the NCAA's transfer rules. Prior to the 2o21 season, Robinson switched his position to linebacker and excelled on the defensive side of the ball in his lone season playing for the Rebels.
In 2021, Robinson played in 13 games and started nine of them for Ole Miss. Robinson recorded 93 combined tackles, three sacks, and 8.5 tackles for loss. After a strong season as a linebacker, Robinson declared for the NFL Draft.
| Year |
School |
GP |
Tackles |
Sacks |
TFLs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 |
Ole Miss |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
| 2021 |
Ole Miss |
13 |
93 |
3.0 |
8.5 |
Pre draft:Measured at Ole Miss Pro Day: 5-foot-11, 230 pounds, 29.5-inch arms, 9 1/8-inch hands, 34 bench press reps, 33.5-inch vertical, 9-foot-11 broad jump, 4.65-second 40-yard dash, 1.61-second 10-yard split, 4.38-second shuttle, 7.27-second 3-cone drill. Robinson did not attend the NFL Combine but interviewed with the Steelers before the draft, including dinner with team staff and a pre-draft visit to Pittsburgh.
Salary cap and future: Robinson is entering the fourth year of his standard four-year rookie contract and will cost $1.01 million against the Steelers' 2024 cap space. His cap hit in 2024 includes $985,000 in base salary and a $28,089 prorated bonus. Robinson's deal will keep him with the team through the end of the 2025 season.
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This article originally appeared on Steelers Now : Mark Robinson Faces New Challenge in Crowded Steelers LB Room
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