The Tragic Death of Los Angeles Rams All-Pro Linebacker Isiah Robertson, Who Died in a Car Accident
The LA Rams had a lot of talented players come through their organization in the past. Many of those players had a lot of success during their career with the Rams. One player who had an impressive career with the team was linebacker Isiah Robertson.
Robertson spent eight seasons with the Rams and immediately made an impact when he joined the team. He finished his career as one of the all-time greats for the Rams. In 2018 he was involved in a tragic car crash where he ended up losing his life.
Isiah Robertson had an impressive rookie season with the Rams
Before Robertson entered the NFL, he was a standout in college at Southern University in Louisiana. During his senior year, he made 112 tackles and had 45 assists. He appeared in the Senior Bowl following the 1970 season and was one of the game’s top players. After his senior season, he was named an All-American.
The Rams selected Robertson with the 10th overall pick in the 1971 NFL draft. He was the first linebacker selected in the draft and the second defensive player selected. During the first half of his rookie season, Robertson got off to a slow start. After he got adjusted to the NFL, he picked up the intensity and made a complete turnaround during his rookie season. He became the starting strongside linebacker replacing Jack Pardee.
Robertson was named AP Defensive Rookie of the Year and finished third overall in the Rookie of the Year voting. Not only was he named AP Defensive Rookie of the Year, but he was named a second-team All-Pro. He put together a productive rookie season and set himself up to have a successful career with the Rams.
Isiah Robertson became a top player for the Rams
The success continued for Robertson after his impressive rookie season. He became one of the top players on the Rams’Rams’ defense, and the team had a lot of success during his time there. During the 1973 season, he was voted first-team All-Pro for the first time in his career. The Rams were one of the top teams in the league that year, too as they finished with a 12-2 record.
From 1973 to 1977, Robertson was selected to play in the Pro Bowl as he continued to make a name for himself on the field. In his final season with the Rams, he was credited with 40 tackles, four sacks, and two fumble recoveries. After the 1978 season, he was traded to the Buffalo Bills, where he finished his career. Robertson spent four seasons in Buffalo, and in 1983 he retired.
Isiah Robertson was involved in a tragic car accident
Robertson established himself as one of the top linebackers in the NFL during the 1970s. He was selected to six Pro Bowls and was a six-time All-Pro selection. In 2018, the Rams lost one of their all-time greats. According to an article from nfl.com, Robertson was killed in a car crash southeast of Dallas. The Texas Department of Public Safety confirmed the news to nfl.com.
The article also states that according to Lt. Lonny Haschel of the Texas Dept. of Public Safety, a preliminary investigation revealed Robertson was driving a limousine in the rain at an unsafe speed around a curve before skidding and coming to a rest partially in the roadway. The investigation stated that a truck struck the limo and pushed it into an oncoming traffic lane, where it was struck again by another vehicle. Robertson was 69 when he passed away.
When the Rams’ organization found out the news about Robertson, they released a statement about Robertson’s passing. He left a long-lasting legacy during his NFL career, especially during his time with the Rams.
