He played college football for the UCLA Bruins, and earned All-American honors.

Robinson attended the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), where he played for the Bruins from 1975 to 1978.

He was recruited as a tight end by Dick Vermeil, his future professional coach, who along with Jed Hughes converted him to linebacker.

In 1999, Sports Illustrated included him on its All-Century Team for college football.

In his thirteen NFL seasons, he played in 184 games, started 147 of them, and compiled twelve interceptions and fifteen fumble recoveries.