I understand that this is likely an unpopular opinion among the Wolverine faithful, but the greatest football player in Michigan Football history might not be Charles Woodson.
Please take a moment to gather yourself at this point before reading any further.
Perhaps no player in Michigan Football history is more revered by the fan base than Charles Woodson. Still the only primarily defensive player ever to win the Heisman trophy, Woodson is responsible for some of the most iconic moments in Michigan Football history - helping lead Michigan to a national title in 1997-98.
Though Woodson certainly checks all of the boxes needed for earning the title of Michigan Football’s greatest player of all-time, there’s another player former Wolverine who might be even more deserving of the that title.
Individually speaking, Denard Robinson is unquestionably the most prolific offensive weapon to ever wear the winged helmet, shattering school, conference, and FBS records throughout his entire collegiate career. Unfortunately, Robinson is also a casualty of the era in which he played, an era that many Michigan Football fans would prefer to forget – Rich Rod, Brady Hoke, Dave Brandon, highlighter yellow, and Adidas alternates.
While the era may be forgettable, Denard Robinson's football career at the University of Michigan is anything but. His entire Michigan career reads like one long highlight film, having been responsible for some of the most memorable individual performances in Michigan Football History.
During his first game against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish in 2010, Robinson put together a record setting performance - finishing the game going 24-40 through the air for 244 yards and one touchdown. His passing performance that night was good, but his rushing performance was legendary. Robinson finished the day rushing for 258 yards and two touchdowns on 28 carries, including an 87 yard touchdown run - the second longest touchdown run in Notre Dame Stadium history.
The very next year, Robinson was once again responsible for carrying the Wolverines to victory over the Irish - engineering an unbelievable comeback win under the lights for the first time at Michigan Stadium. With time expiring on the clock, Robinson hit Roy Roundtree in the corner of the end zone for the game winning touchdown. By the time the game was over, Robinson finished the night throwing for 338 yards and four touchdowns - adding another 108 yards and one touchdown on the ground.
In 2011, Robinson helped engineer Michigan's last win against the Buckeyes - finishing the game going 14-17 through the air for 167 yards and three touchdowns. As usual, Robinson would also lead the Wolverines in rushing that afternoon - finishing the game with 170 yards and two touchdowns on 26 carries.
While the three games mentioned above were notable, they're just a small sample of the many spectacular performances throughout Robinsons career in Ann Arbor. Looking at his Michigan career objectively, one can make a very compelling case as to why the man named “Shoelace” could be considered the greatest Michigan Football player of all time – The GOAT.
NCAA Records
B10 Records
U-M Rushing
U-M Passing
U-M Total Offense
When it comes to the discussing the all-time Michigan Football greats - the guys like Woodson, Carter, Howard, Harmon - Denard Robinson certainly belongs in that discussion.
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