Special Teamer Josh Robinson Tells Jaguars He Is Retiring

The Jaguars got a surprise retirement ahead of Sunday's game vs. the Houston Texans.

Jacksonville Jaguars head coach Doug Marrone opened up his Wednesday press conference with a bit of a surprise as he announced veteran defensive back and special teams player Josh Robinson told the team he would be retiring. 

"Josh Robinson came in for me this morning and retired," Marrone said. "He has been awesome for us. I mean, no issues, no problems. I am going to let him probably talk about it more, I think. Obviously it is something I am sure, with my conversation, he has obviously put some thought into it."

Marrone noted Robinson would be placed on the team's reserve/retired list. Robinson was originally drafted in the third round (66th overall selection) by the Minnesota Vikings in the 2012 NFL Draft. He has also spent time with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and New Orleans Saints.

The eighth-year cornerback had appeared in every game for Jacksonville this season as a core special teams player. He did not register a defensive snap, but he was one of their most utilized players in the game's third phase. 

For reference, he played 192 (83%) special teams snaps this season and played between 19-30 each game.  

Robinson did not have a large role on the Jaguars' team aside from his special teams prowess, but that was the whole reason Jacksonville signed him to begin with.

Luckily for the Jaguars, they already made a move to add a depth defensive back to their active roster before Robinson announced their retirement as rookie cornerback Tae Hayes was promoted to the active roster after Marqise Lee was placed on the team's reserve/injured list with a shoulder injury on Tuesday. 

#Jaguars HC Doug Marrone on Josh Robinson’s retirement: “Obviously I wasn’t expecting it.”

Notes Tae Hayes was already brought up to the active roster beforehand so that can help with depth.

— Jaguars OnSI (@JaguarsOnSI) October 30, 2019

"I have all the respect in the world for him. Tough kid, practiced hard, prepared like a pro. He did everything that we wanted," Marrone said. "I told him nothing but the best for him and that we are always here for him and appreciate him"