Rising Stars: Meet Edmond Robinson

Today we’d like to introduce you to Edmond Robinson.

One Man ready was created by Edmond Robinson Jr. and Carlton Solomon. This phrase has significant importance to them because of the culture they built solely on hard work and dedication. Being a young man from Wadmalaw Island, it’s often said that “Nothing good comes of the Island.” Within in a few years, these two men changed the dynamic and the way people looked at the Island and surrounding areas. As Edmonds’s trainer in the 9th grade, Mr. Solomon saw a level of greatness in Edmond that Edmond didn’t know was possible to achieve. Mr. Solomon told Edmond that when “One Man Is Ready,” the rest of the pack will follow. They will have to raise their game, train their minds, and expect that greatness will come from within to match the leader. These are not words that they live by, but its a mindset that will change athletes forever.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Of course, this process hasn’t been the easiest of roads. Growing up in the area I grew up in. There weren’t a lot of role models to look up to. I often wished as a child that if I got the opportunity to inspire the youth, I would do so doing everything I could. Making it to the NFL, I dealt with many obstacles such as injuries, death and other situations but those things never deterred me from doing what I know I was set out to do. During my first year in fall camp at Newberry College “2010”, I suffered a broken ankle after only being at school for two weeks. This when adversity struck me for the first time. I battled my way back after being sidelined for the entire year. Within the next dew years, I excelled in college but then adversity strikes again. Here we have a separated shoulder while I was having my best year to that date. This injury ended my season once again abruptly. Adversity was nothing to me because I always knew what my purpose was that I could do exactly what I wanted because it was my destiny.

Over my last two years, I won almost every award you could win at my college. For one of the first times, everything was on track for me to succeed once again but then in the spring before my senior year, I suffered another injury. This one seemed to be more detrimental. I suffered a broken foot and was told by the team doctors that I should sit out my senior year. In no way was I going to do that. I was on the verge of getting a chance to get into the NFL and was being scouted by almost every team. For sure, I thought this was the end for me but I just knew I had more left in the tank. After dealing with that situation, I learned that one can make it through any situation. Throughout my career, with the NFL and business venture, I experienced many trails.

From dealing with the practice schedule, the anxiety of making the team, as well as trademarking a business, could make one stress out a little. However, one of the most difficult decisions I had to make was where and who I wanted to target the One Man Ready slogan to. Personally, I felt that it should pertain only to athletes but over the years and with consolation from close friends, I realized that this could pertain to everyone. Individuals with regular jobs deal with daily struggles that challenge them in their workplace. But if they keep that slogan “One Man Ready” in their minds they would understand that they are the leader. It doesn’t matter if your not in charge or the supervisor. But because we all are born leaders, we all have the ability to dig deep within and push forward. Being said that when one of us is ready, we can help those around us that are struggling or need a slight push.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
So, I’m a professional linebacker for the Atlanta Falcons of the NFL. I also play on all of the special teams units. I would say mostly known for my ferocious hits on the punt and kickoff units being in the NFL is such a blessing. I just completed my 6th year of professional football and to still be able to play is amazing. There’s been a lot of good and bad times in the league but I’m most proud of starting an NFL game. See where I’m from. A lot of individuals don’t reach their true potential. But for me to make it and make it to the grandest of stages and succeed is my proudest moment. This game in particular, was vs. the Arizona Cardinals on Thursday night football. Unfortunately, we didn’t win but to see my name called out with the starting lineup was simply a dream come true. I think what sets me apart from others is my determination. No matter how many times I’ve been cut from a team, injured, or not picked up, I know what it takes to come back stronger. Me just being able to come back from being knocked down a few times shows how determined I was to achieve my goals.

Are there any books, apps, podcasts or blogs that help you do your best?
I’m an avid reader of books and love to watch certain interviews and podcast. To name a few, I loved reading this book called stick-ability by Greg S. Reid. This book in particular, explains one should and have the ability to persevere through anything. It helps trained your mind to understand the power of perseverance. Another book is Rick Ross’s “Hurricane: A memoir.” This book gives me an inside look at his life. I consider him a successful businessman despite what’s in his past or profession. I loved reading how he took training from his childhood and applied to his many business ventures. I love life gems and that’s what intrigues me in this book. One podcast in particular grasp onto is the I am Athlete podcast. Led by Brandon Marshall, he leads a cast of retired players and they to talk about the daily challenges of NFL players and also other professional athletes in different sports. What I like about the show is that they talk about starting businesses, manage their relationships and how to be successful men. I can relate mainly because of being an NFL player but also because of my aspirations for my business that will grow.

 Pricing:

• One Man Ready: hoodies $39.99
• One Man Ready: shirts $24.99
• One Woman Ready: crop hoodies $39.99
• One Woman Ready: tank top $29.99

Contact Info:

• Email: edmond.robinson30@gmail.com
• Website: www.erobinsonjr.com
• Instagram: Personal : www.instagram.com/aap_30/
  Business : www.instagram.com/onemanready/
• Facebook: Edmond Robinson
• Twitter: Edmond Robinson Jr.

Image Credits:
Sierra Lashae