Moorestown, NFL Great Dave Robinson Honored at Home Opener

CORRECTION: The retiring of Dave Robinson's No. 89 jersey was the first time the school has retired a football player's number. Athletes in other sports have had their numbers retired previously.

Patch apologizes for the error.
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Dave Robinson's life and career have been filled with enduring moments.

His marriage; the birth of his sons; being drafted as one of the few African-American players of his era by the Green Bay Packers; winning Super Bowls I and II under legendary coach Vince Lombardi; and, most recently, being enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame. 

Standing in the center of the field Thursday at Moorestown High School, his alma mater, during halftime of the football team's home opener, Robinson again felt deeply humbled. The night was dedicated to him.

"I've had a lot of big moments in my life ... but nothing can top being honored by your hometown," he said to thunderous applause.

Elected officials including Freeholder Director Joe Donnelly and Mayor Stacey Jordan presented proclamations to the football legend—who donned his Hall of Fame jacket for the evening—and Donnelly told Robinson that Burlington County College would create a scholarship in his name, to be given to a "deserving scholar athlete."

Moorestown also retired Robinson's No. 89 jersey, the number he wore as a Quaker nearly 60 years ago, and which he wore throughout his collegiate and professional Quaker. It was the first time the school has retired a football player's number. 

Just prior to the start of the game, friends and family of Robinson who had been fundraising for the last month to commission the creation of a bronze bust in his likeness said they reached their goal.

As of early afternoon Thursday, the group was still several hundred dollars short of its $9,000 goal, according to its fundraising page. But organizer Rayette Smith, Robinson's niece, said they hit their mark—and actually exceeded it—just a couple hours before the start of the evening's festivities.

"People are handing checks to us right now," said family friend Nancy Pope.

"I just feel the love from the community," said Smith.

The bust is already in the works and should be completed in roughly six months time, Smith said. It will be put on display in the lobby of the athletic center at the high school, and the excess money raised will be put toward the creation of a larger Moorestown sports legends display. 

As of late Thursday night, the fundraising page showed donations had reached $10,180.

Smith was gregarious Thursday, taking time to sign autographs and chat with fans prior to the start of the game, and mingling amongst old friends—including fellow members of his former Moorestown team—and new acquaintances during the game.

"He was the same way (then) as you see him now," Smith said of her uncle. "That’s just him. He's straight-laced. He takes off his ring, he gives it to people ... He’ll hug, he’ll talk. He’s loving this."