Passing of a Coaching Legend

Legendary Grambling State Football Coach Eddie Robinson passed away on Tuesday, he was 88 years old.

He was affectionately known simply as "Coach" throughout college football. During his tenure, Robinson established himself as the winningest coach in college football history becoming the first coach to record 400 wins. Robinson retired with a record of 408 wins, 165 losses and 15 ties. Even during the era of segregation in the American South, Robinson's talent was praised by many white coaches, especially by the legendary Bear Bryant of the University of Alabama at Tuscaloosa.

The following is a statement from Ms. Doris Robinson, wife of legendary Grambling State University football coach Eddie G. Robinson, who passed away at the age of 88 on Tuesday, April 3, 2007:

“The many expressions of support, sympathy, and gratitude that we have received from all over the country have been overwhelming. I truly appreciate each and every person, so many of whom we have never met, who has said such kind and inspiring words about Eddie, his legacy, and our family.

“Our love and admiration for Eddie were unyielding, as was Eddie’s for his immediate family and his extended Grambling family. Eddie was the consummate husband, father, teacher, leader, role model, and, most of all, the greatest of Americans.

“Words cannot express the loneliness that I will feel without my beloved Eddie. However, I realize, and the immediate family realizes, the greatness that Eddie contributed to our society. He will forever fill our hearts, minds, and souls.”

Funeral arrangements for Coach Robinson are as follows:

Coach Robinson will lie in state in the Louisiana State Capital Rotunda in Baton Rouge, La., on Monday, April 9, from 10:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.

Family visiting hours will be held on Tuesday, April 10 from 7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. at New Rocky Valley Baptist Church on 2155 Martin Luther King, Jr. Ave. in Grambling, La.

Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, April 11, beginning at 11:00 a.m. in the Assembly Center on the campus of Grambling State University (across from Robinson Stadium). Internment will be at Memorial Gardens in Grambling, La.

In lieu of flowers, it is the Robinson family’s wishes that donations be made to the Friends of the Eddie G. Robinson Museum. Those wishing to contribute may call 1-866-WINS-408 or log on to www.robinsonmuseum.com and donate online. Contributors may also mail a donation to the Friends of the Eddie G. Robinson Museum at P.O. Box 550 Grambling, LA 71245.

For more information contact:

Dave Whinham, 1-866-484-3832

John Belton, 318-680-6904

Coach Wilbert Ellis, 318-614-8716

Carolyn Collier, 318-791-9287