Steelers Safety Backs Up Bark With Plenty of Bite

UNITY TWP., Pa — Kenny Robinson probably didn’t expect to be the first team free safety for the majority of the Steelers training camp. But in fact, he has, raking in first-team reps in four of the seven practices thus far thanks to injuries in the room that have granted him the opportunity.

So, when Robinson sprout on the scene last Sunday with a two-interception performance, it was notable for a team that was looking for some safety depth. Robinson has made a number of pass breakups, showcasing his ball skills and natural instincts for football. That sticks out right away.

But what else sticks out? His trash talking. Robinson has a knack for taunting opponents and trying to get into their heads. Just on Thursday, Robinson nearly made an interception on Ja’Marcus Bradley, only for the ball to fall slightly through his hands. In response, he stood over Bradley, and shouted down, “you’re lucky” with something indecipherable after. But that drew a flag that Robinson tried to play off.

Steelers safety Kenny Robinson at OTAs, May 25, 2023. — Ed Thompson / Steelers Now

However, later in the practice, he was chirping wide receivers all over again. Robinson was a guy who got kicked out of two straight practices when with the Panthers last year due to trash-talking and then laying the wood. He barks, but oh, Robinson bites as well. Regardless, over the past few days Robinson has given plenty of bark to his bite in game and practice.

There are certain things the Steelers free safety like doing. Being vocal is one of them, but he backs his bark up with plenty of bite to accompany all of that. The Steelers lack some spunk on defense when it comes to getting in the opponent’s head. Robinson is wholly unique in that aspect of it. The way he is playing right now, he could be doing well to carve out a roster spot.