Much has been made this offseason about teams being unwilling to spend big bucks on the running back position, and that’s even more true of fullbacks. Some clubs have nearly phased out that position entirely, and that trend may result in former Seahawks fullback Michael Robinson calling it a career this offseason, as Mike Poorman of StateCollege.com writes (hat tip to Bob Condotta of the Seattle Times).
“There really isn’t a market for 31-year fullbacks headed into their ninth year in the league,” Robinson said. “Economically speaking, I understand that. I’m going to give myself a little time after the draft to let teams see how their rosters shake out. After seeing what happens, I’m probably going to call it a career.”
Robinson, who was drafted in the fourth round in 2006, has spent four years each with the 49ers and Seahawks, and earned a Pro Bowl berth in 2011, starting at fullback in place of an injured John Kuhn. While his primary contributions came as a blocker, Robinson has also accumulated 115 carries and 75 receptions over the course of his eight-year career, adding five total touchdowns. The 31-year-old is currently an unrestricted free agent.
According to Poorman, Robinson is eyeing a broadcasting career once he officially retires from the NFL, and is currently focusing on that work while he waits to see if there’s any interest from clubs after the draft. “If I do get a call from a team, then I’m counting that as a bonus,” Robinson said.