Hall of Famer Dave Robinson Receiving 'Hometown' Honor

Less than two months after having his high school jersey retired—the only football player in Moorestown history to receive such an honor—Pro Football Hall of Famer Dave Robinson will once again be recognized by his alma mater Thursday.

Robinson, a 1959 graduate of Moorestown High School, will be 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/All-Pro linebacker/world champion will be presented with a plaque by his former coach at Moorestown, Dick Loring, during a special ceremony at 1:10 p.m. Thursday at the high school athletic center. The plaque will be permanently put on display at the high school to serve as inspiration for current students and athletes.

Robinson will speak to the students during the ceremony, and said the message he plans to impart is simple: “I wasn’t anything special. I worked hard at it, and it paid off. That’s what I want to tell the students—if they work hard, the sky’s the limit. I hope when the students go by (the plaque), they’ll be motivated, motivated to do their absolute best.”

Life has definitely changed for Robinson since being chosen for the Hall of Fame in February (and later enshrined this summer). He can’t go to the same grocery store in Ohio, where he lives, anymore without being asked for an autograph, or a photo op.

“It takes your whole football career to a whole new level,” he said.

But one of the most rewarding results of the Hall of Fame honor, Robinson said, has been the love and recognition he’s received from his old hometown.

“It’s beyond belief,” he said, and thanked Allstate and the Pro Football Hall of Fame for the latest recognition.

In addition to the plaque, a commemorative Dave Robinson “Hometown Hall of Famers” road sign will be presented to Mayor Stacey Jordan Thursday.

Local historian Lenny Wagner said the bust of Robinson’s likeness is still in the process of being made. Once finished, it will be put on display in the lobby of the athletic center, and the excess money raised to create it will be put toward the creation of a larger Moorestown sports legends display.