Eddie Robinson Announces Retirement, Joins Front Office

by Zach Woosley on Jan 11, 2012 10:28 AM CST

Four time MLS Cup champion defender Eddie Robinson, one of the last remaining original Dynamo, announced his retirement from professional soccer today. Robinson came with the team in 2006 when they moved from San Jose and was a key part of the team's two championships. Injuries have limited Robinson the last couple of seasons, but his retirement from the game does not mean we'll be seeing any less of E-Rob around Houston.

The club announced Robinson will join the front office, serving the club in several capacities. He will work with the Dynamo Academy, taking over as head coach of the U-16 team in the fall. He will also be a color commentator for select TV and radio broadcasts, and a community ambassador for Dynamo Charities. While these posts won't require him to throw any of his patented elbows, he's more than qualified for all of them.

Robinson played 96 regular season matches and nine playoff matches in six season in Houston. Robinson spent four years at the University of North Carolina before being drafted 20th overall by the Earthquakes 2001 MLS SuperDraft. E-Rob made the All-Star team in 2006 and was an MLS Best XI selection in 2007.

Chris Canetti had this to say about E-Rob on the team's website today:

"I am extremely pleased to have Eddie join us in the front office after an illustrious playing career."

"He was an integral part of our team's success and he will bring a lot of value to what we are trying to do as a club moving forward."

Robinson himself told the HoustonDynamo.com he's excited:

"This move brings a whole new set of challenges for me. I care a lot about this organization and I want to see it succeed. I am now in a position to help the organization grow from a different standpoint."

The retirement of Robinson removes yet another veteran from this team, along with the unfortunate departure of Brian Ching. Dominic Kinnear will undoubtedly be looking to some new faces to step up and become the new leaders on this team. Fortunately with the likes of Brad Davis, Bobby Boswell, Geoff Cameron and others, there shouldn't be a shortage of capable individuals to fill the gaps left.

The team announced there will be an open party soon to honor E-Rob. Details should be coming soon. Be sure to leave your thoughts and memories of Eddie here in the comments.

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Thank you

you left it all out on the field Big E…hard-working, hard-nosed defender who I know will help impart some of that to the U-16 kiddos to compliment the talent they have. “Top bloke” as they’d say, and thanks for all that you did for us during your playing days. Can’t wait to see what he can do in the FO now

/PS – E, if you still want to play you can join our fine little league down in Fort Bend. I’ll happily take a retired MLS player on our squad :)

by Michael_D on Jan 11, 2012 10:38 AM CST reply actions

E Rob as color commentator?

Aww hells yeah. The passion dripping from that man is second to none. A team of him and Jonathan Yardley would be one to listen to for sure.

-- "...I was sick, napping, and then woke up and came to the computer to read a note from the Gingered Angel of Doom..." Martek - Dynamo Theory Blog

by Fuzion on Jan 11, 2012 1:00 PM CST reply actions

Fare thee well Johnny Rocco

I always called him that because that was the character played by Edward G. Robinson in the film Key Largo. Johnny Rocco tells you how to get it done and how it’s going to be:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ACTkVM6t_bo

That is one of the ways I remember Eddie. He was tough as nails back there and completely owned the center back spot. Woe betide anyone who came back there too. I could not have been happier when he scored for the US against Sweden in 2008. He had just come Dynamo’s second consecutive championship, and then got his long-awaited callup. Eddie’s is the first goal on this video (and kudos to you if you can find a better highlight package from that game. My Google Fu fails me here).

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Imu3sLFqFF4&feature=relmfu

Soon after that, Eddie sustained first the ankle injury and then the knee injury that would ultimately end his career. He was never the same player again.

For me, though, the thing I remember most about Eddie was in an onfield interview he did at RFK after the second title. He pointed over to traveling supporters and said (and I am quoting this from memory): “I hope that every day I go onto the field, I show at least a tenth of the passion that these fans show in supporting us.”

Mission accomplished Eddie.

"We don't care who finishes second." -- Celtic's Peter Lowrie

by Martek on Jan 11, 2012 1:46 PM CST reply actions