The Jacksonville Jaguars weren't very good in 2020. However, there were some bright spots, even if they were few and far between. One of them was then-rookie running back James Robinson, who briefly shook the NFL after going undrafted that year.
Following an impressive rookie campaign, Robinson appeared to be a star in the making, but an Achilles tear brougth his 2021 season to an abrupt halt. The former Illinois State Redbird managed to be back on time for the 2022 opener; he was eventually waived and never truly got back on track.
Fast forward to 2026, and Robinson is in the midst of a furious comeback attempt. His jaw-breaking run in the UFL semifinals should most definitely help his bid.
Former Jaguars RB James Robinson is making turning heads at the UFL
James Robinson signed with the Louisville Kings of the UFL in 2026. His 53-yard touchdown run played a big role in the 29-20 win over the St. Louis Battlehawks.
JAMES ROBINSON 53-YARD TOUCHDOWN 💨😤 pic.twitter.com/bNGhIPDzh1
— Louisville Kings (@UFLKings) June 7, 2026
Now, Louisville is set to face off against the D.C. Defenders in the UFL Championship game. Circling back to Robinson, he toted the rock 82 times for 324 yards with three touchdowns. While that kind of statline doesn't stand out, his 59 yards on seven carries should most definitely get the NFL's attention.
Robinson last played in the NFL back in 2023. After being traded to the New York Jets in 2022, the Rockford, Illinois native signed a two-year deal with the New England Patriots the following offseason but didn't crack the 53-man roster. He then spent time with the New York Giants before landing with the Green Bay Packers to finish the season.
However, Robinson only suited up for one game with the Packers before getting the boot. He briefly joined the New Orleans Saints before being released in 2024.
Robinson has been away from the NFL since his brief stint with the Saints but could garner interest from NFL teams after his jaw-dropping performance in the UFL playoffs.
James Robinson has struggled to stick around in NFL after his stint with the Jaguars
As a rookie, James Robinson totaled 1,414 yards from scrimmage, the most by an undrafted rookie in NFL history. You would think that, based on that kind of production, he would be a star by now. The issue is that he hasn't been the same player after the Achilles injury he suffered in 2021.
Sure, Robinson broke off a 50-yard touchdown run against the Los Angeles Chargers as a sophomore, but the reason he was released was that the injury robbed him of his explosiveness, and he wasn't particularly fast to begin with. This is something the Patriots realized not long after signing him, which is why they also gave him his walking papers.
This just in: @Robinson_jamess is good at football.#JAXvsLAC on CBS pic.twitter.com/OGbfWq7Vlg
— Jacksonville Jaguars (@Jaguars) September 25, 2022
Now, just because Robinson lacks top-notch speed doesn't mean he can't contribute at the NFL. His days as a starter are behind him, but as a grizzled veteran, he could hold the fort if called upon.
James Robinson will have one last chance to make an impression in the UFL Championship. If he makes the most out of it, maybe we will see him playing for an NFL team once again.
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