Former Kansas City Chiefs safety Johnny Robinson made Bleacher Report’s list of the 25 most underrated NFL players of all time.
It’s the heart of the offseason, when news creeps in ever so slowly and it’s hardly ever good news, which means it’s time for one list after another. One very interesting exercise can be found from Mike Tanier at Bleacher Report who wrote a countdown of the 25 most underrated players in the NFL, both past and present. The entire list is a very diverse and intriguing read that includes a few current players that will likely make you agree as well as some interesting inclusions from the recent past that might make you think twice, plus some players from several decades past who still have never found the acclaim they’ve deserved for so long.
It’s into that latter category that the lone Kansas City Chiefs entry comes in at No. 16: former Chiefs safety Johnny Robinson. While so many of Robinson’s teammates have been enshrined into the Hall of Fame, Robinson remains on the outside looking in. Tanier writes:
"Johnny Robinson’s credentials make you want to drive to Canton, kick down the Hall of Fame’s door and clear a spot for his bust yourself."
Robinson led the NFL in interceptions twice in his career in 1966 and again in 1970, with 10 interceptions in each season. He ended his career with a total of 57 interceptions, which puts him at No. 13 on the all-time list. He’s a six-time All-Pro and a seven-time Pro Bowler and was even named first-team for the Hall of Fame’s All-1960s team. Robinson was even a postseason monster with four interceptions in only 3 games. He can even claim to be a winner at every level, winning Super Bowl IV with the Chiefs and even a national championship in 1958 at Louisiana State University.
Despite being hailed as one of the best of his generation with takeaway totals that still stand strong, Robinson remains on the outside looking in to Canton. Fortunately for Robinson, he has received his due praise in other ways, as a member of the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame as well as the Kansas City Chiefs Hall of Fame.