Curtis Robinson Bio
Curtis Robinson (born June 2, 1998) is an American professional football linebacker in the National Football League (NFL). After playing college football for the Stanford Cardinal, Robinson began his NFL journey in 2021 as an undrafted free agent and has since built a career as a special teams contributor and reserve linebacker. He is widely recognized for his perseverance through multiple practice squad stints and injuries to remain active in the league.
Standing 6 feet 3 inches tall and listed at 235 pounds, Robinson has spent time with the Denver Broncos and the San Francisco 49ers before continuing his career elsewhere. His professional path reflects the dedication required to last in the NFL without the security of a draft selection.
Early Life and Background
Curtis Robinson was born on June 2, 1998, in Newport Beach, California, though he grew up in nearby Santa Ana. He developed his football foundation at Mater Dei High School in Santa Ana, one of the most prestigious football programs in Southern California. Mater Dei has produced numerous NFL players, and Robinson trained in that competitive environment during his formative years.
His time at Mater Dei helped prepare him for the next level of competition, exposing him to high-level coaching and elite athletes on a daily basis. The discipline and physicality required at the high school stage shaped his approach to the game and helped him earn an opportunity to play at a major college program.
Path to American Football
Robinson committed to Stanford University, where he joined the Stanford Cardinal football program in 2016. Over five collegiate seasons, he worked his way into a meaningful defensive role, appearing in 45 games for the Cardinal. His versatility and reliability helped him carve out a place in the team’s defensive rotations.
When his college career concluded after the 2020 season, Robinson entered the 2021 NFL Draft as a prospect but was not selected. Despite going undrafted, his experience and production at Stanford gave him a path to professional football through free agency.
Curtis Robinson Career
Early Career (2021)
Curtis Robinson signed with the Denver Broncos as an undrafted free agent on May 1, 2021, shortly after the conclusion of the NFL Draft. The Broncos waived him during final roster cuts on August 31, 2021, but quickly signed him to their practice squad the following day. Robinson earned his first promotion to the active roster on October 2, 2021, when he was elevated for the team’s Week 4 game against the Baltimore Ravens, making his official NFL debut.
After additional movement between the active roster and practice squad, Robinson was released by the Broncos on November 30, 2021. His brief tenure in Denver demonstrated his ability to contribute on special teams and provided a foundation for the next step in his career.
San Francisco 49ers Era (2021–2025)
On December 6, 2021, Curtis Robinson signed with the San Francisco 49ers practice squad, beginning a long association with the organization. He signed a reserve/future contract with the 49ers on February 2, 2022, signaling the team’s long-term interest in his development. Robinson was placed on injured reserve on August 31, 2022, before being activated on October 15, 2022, and later moved between the active roster and practice squad through the end of that season.
Robinson signed another reserve/future contract on January 31, 2023, and continued to bounce between the practice squad and active roster in 2023. He signed a further reserve/future deal on February 13, 2024, and appeared in three games during the 2024 season, recording one total tackle. On September 27, 2024, the team announced that Robinson had suffered a torn ACL in practice, ending his season prematurely.
Despite the injury setback, Robinson was named the 49ers’ nominee for the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award on December 5, 2024, recognizing his contributions off the field. He was re-signed by the 49ers on March 12, 2025, released during final roster cuts on August 26, and re-signed to the practice squad the next day before being promoted back to the active roster on September 13, 2025. On December 4, 2025, Robinson was again nominated for the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award for the second consecutive year.
Notable Events and Milestones
One of the defining moments of Curtis Robinson’s career came with consecutive Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year nominations from the 49ers in 2024 and 2025, highlighting his leadership and community impact. His recovery from a torn ACL in 2024 and return to the active roster in 2025 also marked a significant milestone of perseverance.
Curtis Robinson Career Statistics
Across his NFL career through the 2025 season, Curtis Robinson has appeared in limited regular season action while primarily serving on practice squads and reserve lists. His career NFL statistics include 52 total tackles and one pass deflection as of 2025, with most of his production coming on special teams.
College Career Highlights
During his five seasons at Stanford from 2016 through 2020, Curtis Robinson appeared in 45 games for the Cardinal. He finished his collegiate career with 144 tackles, three sacks, two forced fumbles, one fumble recovery, one interception, and five passes broken up. His consistent production over five seasons helped establish him as a reliable defender despite going undrafted in 2021.
Curtis Robinson Family
Family Background and Personal Life
Curtis Robinson maintains a private personal life, and detailed information about his parents and immediate family is not widely available in verified sources. He grew up in the Santa Ana area of Southern California and attended Mater Dei High School, where many of his early athletic influences took shape.
Robinson remains active on social media, where fans can follow his professional journey and community work. His consecutive Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year nominations reflect a commitment to service that extends beyond his performance on the field.
2025 Season Performance
Curtis Robinson’s 2025 season with the San Francisco 49ers reflected the resilience that has defined his professional career. After being released during final roster cuts on August 26, 2025, he was quickly re-signed to the practice squad the following day before being promoted to the active roster on September 13, 2025. His return to the active roster allowed him to continue contributing on special teams and in a reserve linebacker role.
On December 4, 2025, Robinson was named the 49ers’ nominee for the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award for the second consecutive year, underscoring his continued impact within the organization and the community. The recognition cemented his standing as a respected veteran presence in the locker room.
As the 2025 season progressed, Robinson remained focused on his recovery and his role within the team’s special teams units. His experience navigating injuries, practice squad movement, and roster turnover positioned him as a steady contributor for the 49ers.
