The Washington Commanders confirmed in a statement that rookie running back Brian Robinson Jr. sustained non-life threatening injuries when he was shot multiple times in an apparent robbery attempt. Team officials are on-site with him at a local hospital.
“We have been made aware that Brian Robinson Jr. was the victim of an attempted armed robbery or carjacking in Washington, D.C. He sustained non-life-threatening injuries and is currently being treated at the hospital, where Team officials are on-site with him. We ask that you please respect Brian’s privacy at this time.”
Robinson was shot two times in the lower extremities during a robbery attempt along the 1000 block of H Street NE just before 6:00 p.m. ET Sunday evening, according to a D.C. police spokesman.
D.C. police recovered a firearm nearby and released a description of two juveniles suspected in the shooting.
Commanders owners Dan and Tanya Snyder, head coach Ron Rivera, team president Jason Wright, general manager Martin Mayhew, chief medical officer Tony Casolaro and director of mental wellness Barbara Roberts are with Robinson and his family at the hospital, according to Nicki Jhabvala of the Washington Post.
Christian Flores of ABC7 News shared video of Robinson’s car being towed as part of the investigation.
The Commanders concluded its preseason schedule Saturday night at the Baltimore Ravens. Robinson did not play in the game.
Robinson is a native of Tuscaloosa, Alabama. He played five seasons at the University of Alabama. After sitting behind the likes of Joshua Jacobs, Damien Harris and Najee Harris, Robinson got his opportunity to be the Crimson Tide’s lead running back last season as a senior.
He thrived in the role with 1,343 rushing yards and 16 total touchdowns en route to an SEC championship and appearance in the CFB National championship game.
The Commanders drafted Robinson in the third round of this year’s NFL draft. It was believed he had emerged as Washington’s starting running back over third-year pro Antonio Gibson. But the focus right now is on his health and well-being following Sunday’s shooting.
