Jimmy Joe Robinson, who broke racial barriers as the 1st Black varsity football player at the University of Pittsburgh, passed away on Monday.
A native of Connellsville, Pa., Jimmy Joe Robinson arrived at Pitt in the mid-1940s during a period of social change and entrenched racial segregation.
During his time with the Panthers (1945, 1947-48), he led the team in rushing, receiving, and scoring, emerging as one of the top performers on the field while making history off it.
More than just a standout student-athlete, Robinson played a pivotal role in integrating the Pitt football program and paving the way for future generations of student-athletes in Pittsburgh and beyond.
The Cleveland Browns drafted Robinson following his collegiate career.
After a stint in professional football, he served in the Korean War before returning home to play briefly for the Pittsburgh Steelers.
In 1954, he tried his hand with the Montreal Alouettes before leaving football. After football, he helped fight for civil rights in the 1960s.
He also founded the Manchester Youth Development Center in Pittsburgh’s Manchester neighborhood, which helped support children’s education.
Trailblazing Football Standout Jimmy Joe Robinson Passed Away At The Age Of 97
The University of Pittsburgh football trailblazer Jimmy Joe Robinson, the first black varsity football player, tragically passed away on Monday, July 14, 2025, at the age of 97.
However, the exact cause of death has not been revealed yet.
The Pitt Panthers took to their official Facebook handle to announce the tragic news. They wrote,
We are deeply saddened by the passing of Jimmy Joe Robinson, who broke racial barriers as the first Black varsity football player at the University of Pittsburgh. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family during this difficult time.
Pitt Panthers
Robin Beckham, the founder of Pittsburgh Urban Media, took to his Facebook handle and mourned the loss of Jimmy by stating,
Robinson, who broke racial barriers as the first Black varsity football player at the University of Pittsburgh, passed away on July 14, 2025, at the age of 97. A pioneering athlete, devoted teammate, and enduring symbol of courage and progress, Robinson leaves behind a legacy that transcends sport….
Robin Beckham
David Alderson Sr., TJ High School basketball coach, also offered his heartfelt condolences by stating,
My friend Bimbo Cecconi who played with him told me this about Jimmy Joe “He wasn’t good he was Great!” When we would take our team down to Connellsville HS. I would always take our team over to see the pictures of him in the trophy case. RIP Jimmy Joe
David Alderson Sr
Other close ones and relatives have also poured their heartfelt condolences and sent prayers to Jimmy’s family to stay strong in this heartbreaking moment.
He will always be remembered for his unforgettable contributions as the first Black varsity football player at the University of Pittsburgh.
According to the source, the family will receive visitors on Friday, July 18, 2025, from 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. at Bidwell Presbyterian Church, located at 1025 Liverpool Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15233.
A funeral service will be held on Saturday, July 19, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. Rest in Heaven, Jimmy Joe Robinson.
Jimmy Joe Robinson Shared One Son With His Wife, Betty Robinson
Jimmy Joe Robinson, born on October 14, 1927, was married to Betty Robinson. However, their wedding date has not been revealed yet.
The Pittsburgh Schools hired Betty to teach at Beltzhoover Elementary in the late 1950s.
In 1968, as cities across the country grappled with the aftermath of Dr. Martin Luther King’s assassination, Pittsburgh’s Manchester neighborhood was placed under martial law.
To provide children with a haven, Jimmy and his wife, Betty, established the Manchester Youth Development Center in an old warehouse that had been used for plumbing.
Their vision later gave rise to the Manchester Academic Charter School (MACS), a nationally recognized Blue Ribbon School serving hundreds of students today.
Jimmy and Betty were blessed with one son: James Joseph Robinson Jr., who has been married to Deborah Robinson.
James and Deborah were blessed with three children: Jaime Akrie, Erin Chaney, and Kimberly Griffin.
In Case You Didn’t Know
- Jimmy Joe Robinson was born to his father, Charles Franklin, and his mother, Mabel (Trent) Robinson.
- His brother, Mr. Harold F. Robinson, was born on January 17, 1925, in Connellsville, Pa., and was a resident of Hampton for 49 years. Sadly, he died on Friday, March 11, 2011, at 86.
- Jimmy was a great-grandfather of Tatiana, Noah, Brandon Jr., Braydon, Amayam Quincy, and Brycen.
