Happy Birthday, Denard!

Submitted by Dilla Dude on

Denard 'Shoelace' Robinson turns 25 on this fine day. 

During an era where there was little to be excited about, Robinson's electrifying play and Hollywood smile managed to make those years a bit more tolerable.

What is everyone's favorite 'Shoelace' moment/'s?

 

 

UM Fan from Sydney

September 22nd, 2015 at 11:47 AM ^

I might get lambasted for saying this, but I don't like it. It has nothing to do with the flag...I like the USA flag (but sorry, I'm partial to my country's), just not on a football jersey. I prefer just the apparel logo, number, and surname. They definitely need to remove the Big Ten logo, though.

go16blue

September 22nd, 2015 at 11:51 AM ^

WAY too many favorite moments to say them all. The run against ND was awesome - "He's at the 50! And they'll never catch him!" I was also at UTL, so that was incredible. Him coming out to the field an hour after the game, when the stadium was still packed with euphoric fans, was incredible. All of his smiles in press conferences, etc were great. His first run was quite the moment, especially because I had looked away from the play, assuming it had already ended (I didn't have the best view), only to hear a great cheer and realize he had scored. The win against OSU was wonderful. I mean, so many....

He was really the last athlete I idolized. He played for us while I was in high school mostly, and by the time I got to college it sort of sunk in that athletes were just students like me - not larger than life figures. But for his first couple of years with us under Rich Rod, he was so much more than that. My avatar is actually something I made in Minecraft when I was 15 or so, a big hiesman statue with "16" on it, because I was such a big fan. My last memory was the summer after my freshman year (he had just graduated), when I went to the M Den on State and got my freshman year pregame shoes signed by Denard and Jordan Kovacs. Already I was 19 and it felt a lot different from when I would get signatures as a kid, but I felt that at the very least I owed it to my younger self to get that dude's signature. He was, and always will be, my favorite wolverine.

htownwolverine

September 22nd, 2015 at 2:14 PM ^

I just finished watching that during lunch. Denard, for all of his smiles and playfulness, was one tough SOB. That kid never shied from contact when the yard counted; FU Neb game!!! I was also reminded that when he had time that kid had a nice zip on his ball. Sure, he could throw it wild sometimes but most of the time that kid threw it where it needed to go.
And lastly lets not forget, Shoelace owns the all time QB rushing record. No one, I think, will ever beat that record.
I've had three margaritas and I love Denard!

mjc

September 22nd, 2015 at 12:03 PM ^

"They'll never catch him! Denard Robinson, shoelaces flapping in the wind!" 

 

Gives me chills. Love that call and I would love to have Frank back in the booth. 

 

htownwolverine

September 22nd, 2015 at 3:49 PM ^

MH, all of his  talents were just plain under utlitilzed. After watcfhing that clip of plays i saw live, i forgot what speed, quickness and the ability to cut that kid had. Denard was a special player and i hope he gets his due in future generations. He was the one light that kept us going in the darkness.

StephenRKass

September 22nd, 2015 at 12:33 PM ^

Pick one? Pick one? That's like asking me to pick my favorite game. My favorite child. My favorite food. My favorite vacation. My favorite memory. There are many good memories with Denard. Joyful, gracious quarterback and leader. Wish him well as his life goes on.

CRISPed in the DIAG

September 22nd, 2015 at 12:45 PM ^

Played on the first team to beat Ohio (I said it) in ten (10) tries.   And the games agains the Fightin' Chickens.  Beat MSU.  According the the scoreboard, he won a BCS game. 

I think this might sound strange, but I love you Denard.

LSAClassOf2000

September 22nd, 2015 at 1:01 PM ^

Well, happy birthday, Denard! 

As for favorite moment, there are too many to count - there is that run in South Bend where I swear he bent time and space as he approached "c", of course, and as others have mentioned, that very first snap against Western Michigan that showed everyone just how fun he was going to be to watch. To pick a specific moment, man, how many hours do I get to think about this?

Hugh White

September 22nd, 2015 at 1:01 PM ^

My favorite "moment" is a combination of two plays from his Sophomore year, against Indiana.  On his first run of the game, Denard rushes for a touchdown.  On the first play of the second half, he passes for a touchdown. 

JTrain

September 22nd, 2015 at 1:13 PM ^

The game at more dame. 80-ish yard run.
Also was at the game against Air Force. He basically won that game for us...
Denard ran with a FEARLESS mentality. He was not afraid to stick his head in there. Loved his personality.



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Frostbite

September 22nd, 2015 at 1:31 PM ^

Always excited to watch a true craftsman at work.  Similar feeling to watching Barry Sanders, you just knew you were seeing something special.  Happy Birthday Shoelace!

Jack Hammer

September 22nd, 2015 at 2:41 PM ^

His first rushing touchdown is one of the most memorable football moments I will ever have. The explosion and acceleration took my breath away. It was like the defenders were stuck in glue.