Moorestown honored one of its most famous and popular alumni during the Quakers season opener Sept. 12.
“Dave Robinson Night” brought hundreds of people from Moorestown as well as all over South Jersey to honor the newly elected NFL hall of famer. Robinson is a 1959 Moorestown graduate who was a star football, basketball and track athlete during his high school career.
“It was the right thing to do for his hometown and alma mater to honor his accomplishments and his life,” Moorestown High School athletic director Neil Rosa said. “Everyone wanted to be a part of this, former teammates were calling and neighborhood friends were calling. Everyone was extremely cooperative, they just wanted to be with Dave again.”
Robinson said he was “moved to tears” when Rosa reached out saying that Moorestown wanted to retire his number.
“This jersey will be the one that is most important to me,” Robinson said as he spoke to the crowd. “I’ve had a lot of big moments in my life, marrying my wife, the birth of my sons, winning two super bowls but nothing can top being honored by your hometown.”
Robinson’s number 89 and initials were painted on the field as part of the celebration. He was also a part of the coin toss using a commemorative coin from the Green Bay Packers.
Before the game, Robinson signed autographs and posed for pictures for more than an hour. Hugs were given, laughs were exchanged and stories of Vince Lombardi were told. Rosa was not surprised by the turnout as support for the event started in April.
“I approached the board to retire his number and both the president and the vice president were extremely supportive. The ball started rolling from there,” Rosa said.
Burlington County Freeholder director Joe Donnelly as well as Moorestown mayor Stacey Jordan attended the ceremony presenting Robinson with an official township proclamation and news that a scholarship would be started in his honor.
In addition to the number being retired, friends and family were working to raise money for bronze bust of his likeness to be commissioned. The fundraising goal was $10,000, which was met at the event. The bust, when completed, will be housed in the Moorestown Athletic Center.
Robinson’s academic resume as well as his athletic added to his legacy. He was a straight A student while attending Moorestown and a member of the dean’s list at Penn State. Robinson went onto to play for the Green Bay Packers during historic championship run under legendary coach Vince Lombardi in the 1960s. He was a member of the teams that won the first two Super Bowls and was named to the NFL’s All-Decade team for the 1960s.
To top off a night of celebration, the Quakers came away with a win beating the Golden Eagles of Seneca High School 7–0.
