Hall of Famer Dave Robinson Tells Students: 'Seize the Opportunity'

Moorestown alumnus Dave Robinson has earned enough accolades for two lifetimes: Gator Bowl MVP, Super Bowl champion, All-Pro linebacker, Pro Football Hall of Famer. But he never forgot where it all started.

Robinson reminisced about his formative years—as a man and as a football player—at Moorestown High School during a special ceremony Thursday. The former Moorestown football great was recognized by the Pro Football Hall of Fame and Allstate Insurance Company as part of “Hometown Hall of Famers,” a program that honors the hometown roots of the sport’s greatest players and coaches.

The former Packer—who was enshrined in the Hall of Fame this summer—was introduced by his high school coach, Dick Loring, who said Robinson was a multi-sport student-athlete who was driven to succeed, in part, by something his father said to him as a young man.

“Dave’s father died when he was a freshman in high school,” Loring said. “Before he passed away, he asked Dave if he would go out for all the sports that he possibly could—the reason being that he would never be a worry for his mother. She would always know that after school he was doing something very constructive.”

According to Robinson, Loring, as well as his other coaches and teachers, helped mold him into more than just a great football player.

“They taught me how to live amongst people, how to live life,” said Robinson.

He said Moorestown was a great school and urged the hundreds of students in attendance to take advantage of their education to the fullest.

“You have something here that’s special. You’ve got to work hard … You’ve got to seize the opportunity,” he said. “You can leave here and go on in life and just be ho hum, or you can leave here and do whatever it is you want to do in this world.”

Robinson was presented with a plaque during Thursday’s ceremony that will be permanently put on display at the high school. Mayor Stacey Jordan was also presented with a commemorative Dave Robinson “Hometown Hall of Famers” road sign.

Robinson’s No. 89 jersey was retired during Moorestown’s home opener in September. He’s the only football player in the school’s history to have his number retired.