Less than a week before Patrick Robinson ended his NFL career he was asked about working in with younger teammates as one of the few true veterans throughout 2021 Saints training camp.
He described them as "very energetic." They were also loud, wild and very fun. He spoke with a tone of someone well beyond youth himself, but was reminded that 34 isn't all that "old" in the larger picture.
"In football years that's pretty old," the cornerback said with a smile as he prepared for his 12th season. "We're playing football, so I'm not thinking about 'normal' 34."
Saints coach Sean Payton said after Tuesday's training camp practice that the news came as a surprise, but that's actually not all that surprising. He made clear that Robinson was healthy, but couldn't point to a specific trigger for the sudden retirement decision.
A first-round pick of the Saints out of Florida State in the 2010 draft, Robinson played five seasons in New Orleans before spending seasons with the then-San Diego Chargers, the Indianapolis Colts and Philadelphia Eagles. He won a Super Bowl ring during that 2017 season, and signed back with the Saints in 2018. He saw action in 26 games over the past three seasons, stepping up in several big moments but also battling nagging injuries.
In his career he's logged 338 tackles, 16 interceptions and 83 passes defensed.
"Your heart's gotta be in it, and it just wasn't for Patrick," WWL Radio's Mike Detillier said after Tuesday's practice.
Robinson had managed his money well over 11 seasons and was "comfortable" with the decision, his coach said. On the current Saints roster, only Malcolm Jenkins has been in the NFL longer than Robinson.
"I think he doesn’t want to let anyone down and he just felt like in his heart it was that time," Payton said, "and I respect that.”
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For the Saints it was the latest turn in an offseason that's seemed in constant turmoil since it kicked off in late July. The team remains without Michael Thomas, who is away from the team recovering from surgery and with headlines swirling. They've already learned of one suspension of six games for David Onyemata, but discipline could be looming for one or both of cornerback Marshon Lattimore and Deonte Harris due to offseasons incidents.
The Saints already had one retirement this camp with defensive tackle Ryan Glasgow, and it was revealed Monday that kicker Wil Lutz would miss time as he recovers from a core muscle injury. The team is already looking to replace quarterback Drew Brees and punter Thomas Morstead.
Newly signed kicker Brett Maher will wear No. 6, while cornerback Prince Amukamara switches to the No. 21 formerly worn by Robinson. With cornerback depth already a "must" heading into camp, Payton said that hasn't changed. But there have been some positive signs from players in camp. They've already signed free agents in Amukamara, KeiVarae Russell and Adonis Alexander to bolster the position behind Lattimore, veterans Ken Crawley, Brian Poole, Grant Haley and PJ Williams, along with rookies Paulson Adebo and Bryce Thompson.
"We’ll keep working the rosters. There’ll be a cutdown." Payton said. "In the meantime we’ll work closely with the guys we have here.”
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Follow Jeff Nowak on Twitter @Jeff_Nowak or contact him by email at jeffrey.nowak@audacy.com