Grambling, La—Attorney General Buddy Caldwell was one of many dignitaries in attendance at the festivities honoring the late Grambling Football Coach Eddie G. Robinson. Almost a decade after the Legislature authorized a state museum to honor Robinson, the museum opened on what would have been the coach’s 91st birthday.

On Friday evening, February 12, Pittsburgh Steelers Coach Mike Tomlin gave the keynote address at a black tie banquet held at the Hobdy Arena on Grambling’s campus. Many former Grambling players, including Pro Football Hall of Famer Willie Davis, and Super Bowl XXII MVP Doug Williams joined Secretary of State Jay Dardenne, Caldwell and other elected officials at the dedication.

Robinson coached at Grambling from 1941-97 and in 1985 set a still-standing Division I mark for college football victories. But in Louisiana, Robinson was known as much for being a father figure to many of his players and shaping the university and broader community as he was for his coaching accomplishments.

 “I know what Coach Robinson meant to hundreds of players,” said Caldwell. “For some, he set them on a path of success that otherwise they would not have found. Not just because of his coaching talent but his ability to instill character and integrity in these young athletes. This museum will carry on his legacy.”