Dear AFL Fans:

An AFL great who SHOULD be in the hall of fame, Johnny Robinson, has had serious medical problems. Read about it at the bottom of the AFL guest book at Remember The AFL. His stepson asks for prayers, and there is an address where you can send get-well wishes.

Sincerely,
Ange Coniglio

Editors Note: The very well to do Lamar Hunt was one of the principal founders of the American Football League (AFL). He was also the owner of the Dallas Texans. One of his cornerstone players at the start of 1960 was Johnny Robinson from Louisiana State University. He didn't disappoint.

The Texans lasted from 1960 to 62 before becoming the Kansas City Chiefs. Johnny was a consistent and constant star playing with the Texans then Chiefs until 1971. Two years after the AFL merged with the National Football League (NFL). Here are just some of the football numbers he posted.

As a then called "Defensive Back" he was known as a master thief. Just with the Chiefs he had 58 interceptions. A team record.

He is only one of twenty players that performed during all ten years of the AFL's existence.

He was a six time All-American Football League selection.

Despite three broken ribs he helped lead the Chiefs to victory over the Minnesota Vikings in Super Bowl IV.

There is more football glory but that is just the tip of Mr. Robinson's life. After football he did not just go on the celebrity circuit. That would have been easy, and that would not have been like him at all. He returned to Monroe, Louisiana to found and operate the Johnny Robinson's Boys Home. A Louisiana State licensed home for boys who needed some help. His heart, it seems, was too big to be contained to a gridiron. Now he can use our prayers andwell wishes.

Please join Sports Lore and the Coniglio Family website in giving thanks to a not-so-average football player. He not only deserves to be in football's Hall Of Fame. He should also be in the Hall of Fame of Life.

Mike Toone
Sports Lore