THIBODAUX – Former Nicholls State University wide receiver and current Green Bay Packer Antonio Robinson became the first Colonel in program history to be a member of a winning Super Bowl team after the Packers' 31-25 victory over the Pittsburg Steelers in Super Bowl XLV.

Robinson, who played for the Colonels from 2008-09, was added to the Green Bay practice squad before the NFC Championship Game against the Chicago Bears. Although a stress fracture in his left tibia hampered most of his rookie season, he continued to be patient.

“I was with Seattle for a couple of weeks, but they released me,” said Robinson. “But I never gave up, kept praying, and I just kept my faith in God. Then I got the call from my agent for Green Bay. I went and worked out for them and took it from there.”

An All-Southland Second Team selection in 2009, Robinson joined an elite group of receivers led by two players who also hailed from smaller programs – Donald Driver, a graduate of FCS Alcorn State, and Greg Jennings, an alum of Western Michigan, a non-BCS school out of the Mid-American Conference.

“Green Bay has some great players, especially at my position – Donald Driver, Greg Jennings, (James) Jones, (Jordy) Nelson, and (Brett) Swain,” Robinson noted. “They were some of the best guys I've been around - just good guys and very talented.”

While Green Bay quarterback Aaron Rodgers earned MVP honors, the receiving core helped pave the way for the Packers' fourth Super Bowl title. Nelson finished with 140 yards and a score while Jennings hauled in two touchdowns. Driver, a three-time Pro Bowl selection and the franchise's all-time leader in receptions, had two catches before leaving with an injury.

“The game was crazy, everyone was so amped up,” added Robinson. “The offense and defense played great. I just hope to contribute to it next year and to go back and be a part of the same thing.”

Robinson will have an opportunity to make the Packers' active squad next season as he was one of nine players to agree to terms following the Super Bowl. A receiver spot could also be open with the possible retirement of Driver, a 12-year veteran of the league.

With a high percentage of NFL players going through their entire careers without ever reaching a Super Bowl, Robinson feels he was truly blessed to have experienced one in his first season.

“The whole experience was special, that's the one word I can sum it up with,” stated Robinson. “I was thinking about it, and they (Green Bay) could have called anybody. There are a million receivers at home who could have got the same call. It was just a blessing to be there and to sign with Green Bay at that time.”

A 6'3” receiver from Miami, Fla., Robinson played for Nicholls during the 2008 and 2009 seasons. Despite the fact that the Colonels featured a rush-oriented offense during his two years, he still managed 992 receiving yards and 10 touchdowns on 47 catches. After leading the FCS in yards per reception (25.1) as a junior, Robinson went on to garner All-Southland Second Team receiver and honorable mention as a returner in 2009.

Although Robinson went undrafted, he picked up a free agent deal with the Bears during training camp, pushing Nicholls' streak to four straight years of having a player either drafted or signed. Including Robinson, Nicholls has four former players who are currently on NFL rosters – Jacob Bender (Carolina Panthers), Kareem Moore (Washington Redskins), and Lardarius Webb (Baltimore Ravens).

“Nicholls is just a great program,” said Robinson. “Even though it's a small school, if you have the talent they're going to find you. I just want to tell all the players to don't ever give up, keep chasing your dreams, and keep God first.”