Best of the Packers: Top 10 linebackers since 1960
By Phil Watson
2. Dave Robinson (1963-72)
Dave Robinson had put together an All-American season as a defensive end/tight end at Penn State, but the Green Bay Packers had other ideas when he was made the 14th overall pick in the 1963 NFL Draft.
Also selected by the San Diego Chargers of the AFL, Robinson nearly signed with the rival league until he learned his rights were going to be traded to Buffalo, where it was cold.
He had never been to Green Bay.
It worked out, though, as Robinson was moved to left linebacker and became a three-time Pro Bowler and an All-Pro in 1967 for the Pack.
He had five interceptions in 1966 and four in 1967 and was part of three championship teams in Green Bay.
Robinson was named to the Pro Football Hall of Fame’s All-1960s team and in 10 seasons with the Packers had 21 interceptions.
In January 1973, after Green Bay had won the NFC Central title and returned to the playoffs for the first time since the glory years, Robinson was dealt to the Washington Redskins in exchange for a second-round pick in the 1975 NFL Draft.
He retired after two seasons in Washington and was inducted into the Packers Hall of Fame in 1982.
It was a much longer wait for a broader enshrinement, but in 2013 was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame after being nominated by the senior committee.
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