Pitt Football Trailblazer Jimmy Joe Robinson Dies at Age 97

The Pitt football community is mourning the loss of an important member of the program’s history.

Jimmy Joe Robinson died on July 14, 2025 at the age of 97. He broke racial barriers as the first Black varsity football player at Pitt.

We are deeply saddened by the passing of Jimmy Joe Robinson, who broke racial barriers as the first Black varsity football player at the University of Pittsburgh. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family during this difficult time.

📰 https://t.co/rHucZwd4q1 pic.twitter.com/nDmz74N3Bl

— Pitt Football (@Pitt_FB) July 16, 2025

Robinson, a Connellsville, Pa. native, joined Pitt in the mid-1940s during a period of social change and racial segregation. At Pitt (1945, 1947-48), Robinson led the team in rushing, receiving and scoring.

His time at Pitt goes further than his play on the field as he helped pave the way for future student-athletes at the University of Pittsburgh.

“Jimmy Joe didn’t just wear the uniform—he wore the weight of history, and he carried it with strength and grace,” Pitt head football coach Pat Narduzzi said in a press release. “He helped change this program forever.”

Robinson was then drafted by the Cleveland Browns in the 1950 NFL Draft in the third round. After a stint in professional football, he served in the Korean War before returning home to play briefly for the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Later in life, Robinson answered a higher calling and became Rev. Jimmy Joe Robinson.