As Bijan Robinson adjusts to his NFL home with the Falcons, the former Texas running back also earned his wish to wear the esteemed No. 7 jersey for the franchise.
Robinson wore No. 5 for the Longhorns. However, he told reporters after the Falcons rookie camp on Friday that he wanted to wear No. 7 because of the number’s biblical reference for completion.
But the 21-year-old also knew the responsibility of wearing the number associated with Falcons legend Michael Vick. Most recently, kicker Younghoe Koo donned the No. 7.
When Robinson received the approval from Koo and the former four-time Pro Bowler to claim the number, he was stoked about the opportunity.
“When I asked Koo if I can wear it, he was super cool about it,” Robinson told reporters. “Then the coaches asked Vick if I can wear it and he was super excited about it. But I think it’s pretty cool to continue on such a great number.”
The Falcons selected Robinson at No. 8 in this year’s NFL draft. As a junior at Texas last season, Robison rushed for 1,580 yards and 18 touchdowns while averaging more than six yards per carry.
If he provides the same kind of excitement Vick brought to fans in Atlanta, then the pick—and the jersey number swap—will be well worth it.
