A star running back for the Atlanta Falcons in the NFL, Bijan Robinson’s grandfather, Cleo Robinson, became the central father figure in his life, often referred to as “Dad.”
Recently, Bijan Robinson’s standout performance in a dramatic 29–28 win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers drew widespread praise.
Yet instead of his on‑field heroics, it was his post‑game interview on December 7, 2025, that went viral after he referenced a childhood football game and used the phrase “smear the qu**r” live on national television.
Several Falcons teammates reportedly stood by Robinson’s character, saying he did not intend harm but agreed the phrase was inappropriate.
While some highlighted that athletes are role models, and even casual references to outdated playground terms can perpetuate harm.
After the backlash, Robinson publicly apologized for using the phrase.
He clarified that he had been referring to an old childhood playground football game, but acknowledged that the term is offensive and inappropriate today.
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Bijan Robinson’s Grandfather Introduced Him to Football!
Bijan Robinson, born on January 30, 2002, in Tucson, Arizona, United States, was raised primarily by his mother, LeMore Sauls, and his stepfather, LaMont Sauls, with strong support from his grandparents, Cleo and Terri Robinson.
His mother became pregnant with Bijan while attending Mesa Community College in Phoenix.
She returned home to Tucson, Arizona, where she raised Bijan with the help of his grandparents.
However, the name of his biological father is not available at the moment.
Excited to announce I’ve sign with Klutch Sports group and @AgentNicoleLynn for the NFL Draft. @KlutchSports #biablessing pic.twitter.com/Ob0bCGj2GJ
— Bijan Robinson (@Bijan5Robinson) December 22, 2022
LeMore later married LaMont Sauls, who also resides in the United States, and became a steady father figure in Bijan’s life.
His mother chose the name Bijan, meaning “hero” in Persian, and together with his grandparents, nurtured his dream of reaching the NFL.
Much of his early upbringing was shaped by his grandfather, Cleo Robinson, a longtime Pac‑12 football official who introduced him to the sport and nurtured his discipline.
He affectionately calls both his mother and grandmother “mom,” and refers to his grandfather Cleo as “dad.”
Cleo Robinson, a longtime Pac‑12 referee and instant replay official, became Bijan’s father figure and mentor.
He introduced Bijan to football, brought home game programs, and inspired him by sharing stories from the field.
By age five, Bijan was already playing flag football, imitating the moves he saw on TV.
From his childhood to this age, Bijan’s journey has been defined by the support of his mother and his grandparents.
In Case You Didn’t Know
- Bijan Robinson attended Salpointe Catholic High School in Tucson, Arizona, and later went on to the University of Texas at Austin.
- He won the 2022 Doak Walker Award.
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