Former Chicago Bears DE Bryan Robinson found dead

Former Bears defensive end Bryan Robinson is dead at 41. His body was discovered late Saturday night in a Milwaukee motel room.

The story was first reported by Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune, who was told by Milwaukee police that they were investigating the situation as a sudden death and that there were no signs of trauma or foul play.

Signed by the St. Louis Rams as an undrafted rookie out of Fresno State in 1997, Robinson had a 14-year NFL career, including six (1998-2003) with the Bears, where he made 82 of his 170 career starts.

In his final five seasons with the Bears, “B-Rob” missed just three starts and started all 16 games four times. He had 14 of his 24 career sacks with the Bears.

Aside from being a stout run-stopper at left end and his durability, Robinson is best remembered from his Bears career for blocking a potential game-winning field goal in Green Bay against the Packers. The blocked kick preserved a 14-13 Bears victory on Nov. 7, 1999, just days after Hall of Fame running back Walter Payton died at 45 following a battle with liver disease.

“I think Walter Payton actually picked me up a little bit and boosted me up in the air because I can't jump that high,” Robinson said after the game. “Walter had a lot to do with it. I know he did.”

The Bears released a statement, which read: “We are saddened to hear of the loss of Bryan Robinson. He will be remembered for the determination and work ethic he displayed on the field over his six years in Chicago. The Bears and our fans will always be indebted to him for his game-saving blocked field goal in Green Bay six days after Walter Payton's passing. Our prayers are with Bryan and his family.”

The 6-foot-4, 305-pound Robinson also played for the Miami Dolphins (2004), Cincinnati Bengals (2005-07) and Arizona Cardinals (2008-10). In his three seasons with the Cardinals, Robinson played in all 48 games and started 46.

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