Allen Robinson’s leadership rubbing off as he fights for Giants role

Allen Robinson’s 11th NFL training camp is unlike any of the others. 

For the first time in a decade, the veteran wide receiver, who signed a one-year, $1.3 million deal with the Giants on May 9, has no guaranteed job in sight. 

“Being a veteran in this league, going into Year 11, I know that things can look multifaceted, you know, it’s about just being ready for when my number is called, but at the same time being able to help the younger guys,” Robinson, 30, said Friday after a quiet third day of camp. 

Though the Penn State product, the 61st overall draft pick by the Jaguars in 2014, acknowledged that his second-tier roster spot is uncharted territory, he offers a wealth of leadership and experience to Big Blue that he’s willing to share. 

“Veteran,” coach Brian Daboll said of Robinson. “He’s played for a long time, so he knows how to be a pro. I think he’s done a good job on the field physically, but I also think he adds an element of leadership in the room with some younger receivers. 

“Yesterday, we were watching a one-on-one clip, and it wasn’t even (wide receiver) Malik (Nabers), but it was another receiver, and I’m watching it, going through it, making some corrections, and he spoke up. He said, ‘Hey, Dabs, can you rewind that and just pause it for a minute?’ 

“He sat there for 30 seconds and just had a private conversation with Malik on a certain technique that he saw. So when you can get some veterans in the room, whether it’s the receiver room, defensive line room, running back room, that knows what it looks like, knows how to be a pro, that helps.” 

Robinson’s potentially limited role and playing time were set in stone during a presigning conversation with Daboll. 

“I had a conversation with him when we were first talking about bringing him in and you cover that because I don’t want players coming in here expecting one thing and it’s totally different,” Daboll said. “So they have to understand what it looks like and what I see it as, the expectation, is it a good fit for you, too, and that you want to be part of it. I laid it on the line with him.” 

Based on his limited action thus far in camp, it’s possible Robinson, who started all 17 games for the Steelers in 2023 coming off a fractured foot the year before, may not make Daboll’s roster. 

“If I was in the room anyway, no matter if I was guaranteed a spot or not, I would be sharing the knowledge and so on and so forth to the younger guys, as well,” Robinson said. 

“Also at the same time, I have to focus on winning a spot and going out there and being the best player that I can be, you know, learning offense, being in the playbook, you know things like that,” he added. “I’m tapped into the things that I need to do, as well, and the things that help me get better every day.” 

Nabers and fellow receivers Darius Slayton, Jaylin Hyatt and Wan’Dale Robinson are all Giants draft picks and roster locks as the franchise seeks to jolt an offense that had issues in 2023. 

Robinson’s best season came in 2015, his second year in the NFL, when he recorded 80 receptions for 1,400 yards and 14 touchdowns for the Jaguars, earning his only Pro Bowl selection. 

In 2020, the 6-foot-2, 220-pound Robinson had 102 catches for the Bears. 

“When I came into the NFL, we came in with a very young room, so I didn’t have a vet,” Robinson said. “So for me, being able to be that guy now, who has 10 years under their belt in the NFL, being able to share as much knowledge as I can with some of the younger guys … I always have an open forum and that’s on and off the field.” 

Robinson is guiding Big Blue while also trying to earn his stripes on the field.