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Allen Robinson’s retirement offers a reminder of his underrated Bears career

Robinson gave Chicago two 1,000-yard seasons while enduring persistent instability at quarterback.
Oct 17, 2021; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bears wide receiver Allen Robinson (12) leaves the field following a game against the Green Bay Packers at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 17, 2021; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bears wide receiver Allen Robinson (12) leaves the field following a game against the Green Bay Packers at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports | USA TODAY Sports

Former Chicago Bears receiver Allen Robinson made his retirement official this past week on what was an impressive career. Robinson last played with the Detroit Lions in the 2024 season, making this retirement decision a bit overdue after missing all of last season. Still, there is no shortage of respect from Chicago fans, who understand what Robinson was at his absolute best. The pass catcher was with the Bears from the 2018-2021 seasons, spending time as well with the Jacksonville Jaguars, Los Angeles Rams, Pittsburgh Steelers, Lions, and New York Giants.

Robinson's best season with Chicago was in 2020 when the veteran caught 102 passes for 1,250 receiving yards. What made this production all the more impressive is the fact that it came with a frustrating quarterback situation, with Mitch Trubisky and Nick Foles sharing time in the starting lineup. Still, Robinson found a way to put up elite numbers and offer Chicago fans a needed bright spot in the middle of frustrating years.

The receiver had a combined 18 touchdown catches in his four seasons and was a consistent presence in all but his final season with the Bears. Even this year was productive, with 410 receiving yards in what was a lesser role.

For Robinson, the past three years have been spent bouncing around the league searching for a reserve role. No hint of the player he once was during his best seasons with the Bears and Jaguars. This included 1,400 receiving yards in 2014 with the Jacksonville Jaguars, making an awful team watchable. Not only was the yardage produced, but Robinson also offered 14 touchdowns, giving Jacksonville a needed star.

Former Bears Receiver Allen Robinson Opts for Retirement After Underrated Career

Robinson's best seasons came at a time when he was playing on teams with bad quarterback situations or underwhelming rosters. When the pass catcher was in the spotlight was towards the end of his career, when the best moments were already in the past. While both the Bears and Jaguars had blips of capability with Robinson rostered, they weren't the teams they have become in recent years.

This leaves little debate that the receiver's career and best moments are going widely underrated by those outside of either fanbase. Bears fans remember fondly what Robinson could provide at his best, giving the franchise a point of consistency in a time when there was so little to rely on.

Watching the receiver walk away brings back these memories, while there is no question it was time. Robinson's time in the league remains underrated, with Bears fans having a special appreciation for exactly what the veteran meant to the historic franchise.

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