As the Detroit Lions continue preparations for the upcoming 2026 NFL season, a former wide receiver who spent what would be the last campaign of his career with the club has announced that he’s going to hang up the cleats.
Former Lions wide receiver Allen Robinson, a Detroit native who played the 2024 season in the Honolulu Blue, has announced his retirement from the NFL in a specialized video posted to his Instagram account.
Robinson, a Detroit native who also played high school football at Orchard Lake St. Mary’s, was signed by the Lions practice squad in August 2024 and later promoted to the active roster in September.
He would amass 30 yards on three receptions while playing sparingly as the club’s fifth wideout in 2024.
Former Detroit Lions Wide Receiver Allen Robinson Has Announced His Retirement
GettyPhoto by Mike Mulholland/Getty Images
Robinson, who did not play last season, admitted that he was contemplating retirement not long after wrapping up what would ultimately be his last campaign.
“I wanted to look back and have no regrets,” Robinson said in March 2025 via Dave Birkett of The Detroit Free Press. “And that’s kind of where I’m at with it is that I don’t have (any). I’ve put everything I’ve had into this game.”
“For me it’s more so about figuring out what my future in this game and in this league looks like,” Robinson said. “Playing, finishing Season 11, having a family, figuring out different things with them, moving around and stuff like that. So for me it’s now just taking time to evaluate what next year looks like for me in general. That’s kind of where I’m at with it. So I’m taking some time to make this decision with my family.”
He went on to say that playing in the NFL was a “great” experience for him.
“Just reflecting back a little bit, man, it’s been a heck of a journey,” Robinson said. “I’ve been blessed to play for some great coaches in the past three years. I played for coach (Sean) McVay (with the Rams), coach (Mike) Tomlin (with the Steelers), coach (Dan) Campbell with the Lions, who are all some of the best in the game. Being around coach (Brian) Daboll (with the Giants), who’s a phenomenal coach and a great offensive mind. I’ve been able to learn so much football and learn just so much in general to where it’s truly been a blessing to be able to have experience that I don’t think it’s anything else in my life that would’ve been able to take me to see the world in the sense.”
“It’s been some great experience.”
Allen Robinson Played 11 Seasons In The NFL With Multiple Teams
Robinson, who earned a Pro Bowl selection in 2015, spent time with the Jacksonville Jaguars, Chicago Bears, Los Angeles Rams, and Pittsburgh Steelers in addition to the Lions.
He finishes his career with 7,058 receiving yards on 565 receptions with 43 touchdowns.
11-Year Former Lions Wideout Officially Announces Retirement