Brian Robinson Jr., the new running back for the Washington Commanders, was shot multiple times during an attempted carjacking.
The incident took place in Washington, DC early Sunday evening, August 28. Two teens approached Robinson before trying to steal his car. They struggled with Robinson, and one teen shot him, while he fought with the other teen over control of a gun. Robinson was shot multiple times, with at least two bullets striking him in the lower body.
The player was hospitalized but had non-life threatening injuries. His injuries were to the lower body and lower leg. He was released from the hospital Monday, August 29.
Commanders head coach, Ron Rivera, visited Robinson Sunday night before releasing a statement on Twitter that the rookie is in high spirits, and they hope he’ll “be back soon doing what he does best.”
Robinson also posted a photo on his Instagram account, saying, “Surgery went well! Thanks for all the prayers! God is Great!”
The suspects fled the scene after the shooting, and police found a firearm nearby. Police are treating and investigating the incident as an attempted carjacking or attempted robbery. In a statement posted to Twitter, DC Police Department officials they were looking for two suspects, who may be as young as 15 and 17-years-old.
Robinson was expected to be a star player in the upcoming season, leaving fans worried that this incident could derail the young running back’s career and the team’s prospects.
Rivera told reporters on Monday that it is uncertain how long it will be before the player gets back to the field, but “but everything was very positive.”
Robinson was drafted out of the University of Alabama after winning two national college football championships. Before the shooting, his training camp and preseason were impressive enough to have him on his way to becoming the team’s starting running back.
Although Robinson did not play in the Saturday game against the Baltimore Ravens, he was expected to be an important player in the Commander’s game this season along with team members Antonio Gibson and JD McKissic.
In an interview with reporters on Monday, Rivera advocated for gun safety with his orange shirt, and said “It’s about education,” Rivera told ESPN. “If you’re going to own a handgun, it’s about knowing how to secure it properly, so it doesn’t get stolen or so the wrong people don’t use it and do this.”
He said he had just visited Robinson, and the football player wanted everyone to know that he appreciates their support and loves them.