Wan’Dale Robinson, an American professional football wide receiver for the New York Giants, was five years old when his father, Charles Dale Robinson, was incarcerated for the first time.
His mother, Victoria Davis, told him that his father was away at school to protect him from the harsh reality.
Wan’Dale began playing football for Western Hills High School as a safety, linebacker, receiver, quarterback, running back, punt returner, and kickoff returner.
He initially committed to playing college football for Kentucky before committing to Nebraska, where the Athletic named him a Freshman All–American.
Later, he entered the NCAA transfer portal in 2021 and committed to the University of Kentucky. He became the No. 1 receiver for the team with 104 receptions, 1,334 yards, and seven touchdown receptions in 13 games.
The New York Giants selected him in the second round with the 43rd overall pick in the 2022 NFL draft. He made his NFL debut in the 2022 season opener against the Tennessee Titans.
Wan’Dale finished his rookie season with 23 receptions for 227 yards and a touchdown in six games. He put up a career-high of 142 yards and 8 catches during Week 2 of the 2025 NFL Season.
Wan’Dale Robinson’s Father Reflects on Past Arrests and Redemption
Wan’dale Robinson, the son of Charles Dale Robinson and Victoria Davis, was born on January 5, 2001, in Frankfort, Kentucky.
Victoria played a pivotal role in raising him and supported his football dreams while dealing with her own health challenges.
happy father’s day pops! always got my back through whatever! ❤️ pic.twitter.com/b6zdVhpdDm
— Wan’Dale Robinson (@wanda1erobinson) June 21, 2020
New York Giants wide receiver Wan’Dale Robinson’s journey was shaped in part by his father’s complicated past.
Charles Dale Robinson, a former football player himself, faced significant legal troubles during his son’s childhood. He was incarcerated for the first time when Wan’Dale was just five.
Victoria told Wan’Dale that his father was away at school to shield him.
Dale served nearly four years of a six-year sentence before being released. However, he was arrested again in Lexington, Kentucky, in July 2007.
He eventually pleaded guilty in 2008 and faced a lengthy federal prison sentence. The most challenging moment was informing his seven-year-old son that he would be sentenced to 10 years in prison.
Dale described it as a devastating experience, wondering how he would explain his situation to his child. It was heartbreaking news, and both father and son wept together.
I had to tell Wan’Dale that I was gonna be gone for 10 years. He understood that his dad wasn’t gonna be able to take him to practice no more or Chuck E. Cheese no more.
Charles Dale Robinson
Victoria Davis ensured the two maintained a relationship through weekly phone calls throughout Dale’s incarceration.
Afterward, Dale committed to turning his life around, vowing to become a better man and father. He fulfilled that promise upon his release in July 2015 and dedicated his life to helping others.
Wan’Dale Robinson’s Father Builds a New Life
After being released from jail on July 15, 2015, Dale Robinson, 39, walked into freedom and immediately into the arms of his family.
His son, Wan’Dale Robinson, didn’t take long to forgive his father, making their reunion the best day of Dale’s life.
I got out of football practice, I got home and then everybody was waiting on my dad. He got out of the car and I just remember we just hugged and cried. I knew that things were gonna be different with the way that he was living life and I knew that I really didn’t have to worry about him getting back into that life.
Wan’Dale Robinson
happy birthday pops! wouldn’t be where i am today without you, love you old man! #TeamRobinson 🤞🏾 pic.twitter.com/QgRTGKzWwo
— Wan’Dale Robinson (@wanda1erobinson) February 20, 2020
Instead of looking back, Dale Robinson focused on building a positive future.
He channeled his energy into his community, starting a gym called G.U.R.U. Fitness in Frankfort, Kentucky, with a second location set to open soon in Lexington.
Moreover, his most impactful work is the Wanda Joyce Robinson Foundation, named after his mother. It is a foundation dedicated to supporting children who have a parent in prison.
Now, Dale is his son’s biggest fan, and he is sure that the world will fall in love with Wan’Dale’s electric talent on the football field.
After many years, Wan’Dale waited for the day his father would be in the stands watching him realize his NFL dream.
In Case You Didn’t Know
- Wan’Dale Robinson stands 1.73 m and weighs about 84 kg.
- He helped the Wildcats win the Citrus Bowl in 2021.
- He dated his college sweetheart, Chloe Barrett, for over three years.
