March 27, 2015
The playing career of Vanderbilt quarterback Patton Robinette has ended.
The redshirt junior from Maryville, Tenn., told teammates of his decision during a brief gathering Friday morning. He informed Vanderbilt Head Coach Derek Mason of his plans on Thursday. The decision allows Robinette to enter Vanderbilt School of Medicine this summer. He plans to study in the field of orthopedics.
Robinette’s decision to leave the field was influenced by a history of injuries. Robinette spoke frequently with his parents, close acquaintances, Vanderbilt physicians and athletic trainers, and Commodore coaches before deciding to end his career.
“This has been a very difficult decision to make,” Robinette said Friday. “This team means the world to me and I love playing football more than anything. It’s been tough coming to a decision that is right for my family and I, and protects my health and future.
“I’ve been very deliberate in coming to this decision. It’s difficult but I’m really excited to move forward to the next chapter of my life and really to see what the field of medicine has in store for me,” Robinette added.
Vanderbilt Head Coach Derek Mason praised Robinette as a tremendous competitor and leader.
“Patton Robinette is one of the most fierce competitors that I’ve ever had the pleasure to coach,” Mason said. “He’s been a winner on every level and a guy that others look to for leadership. Patton leaves this football team in good hands, and has done a fantastic job of helping to create a foundation for success.
“This has been tough on Patton and his family, but we support his decision and look forward to seeing what the future in medicine holds for such an outstanding young man,” Mason added.
Robinette was expected to compete for the team’s starting quarterback role this fall. His departure leaves four prospects vying for the job — sophomore Wade Freebeck, redshirt sophomore Johnny McCrary, redshirt freshmen Shawn Stankavage and incoming freshman Kyle Shurmur.
Robinette completed 89 of 155 passes for 1,096 yards and seven touchdowns in a career that included five starts in 16 appearances during the 2013-14 seasons. In six games last year, Robinette was Vanderbilt’s most efficient quarterback, hitting 64.2 percent of his passes.
Robinette brought a dual-threat ability to the quarterback position, rushing for 277 yards and nine touchdowns in his career.
Robinette enjoyed tremendous success as a first-year contributor in 2013, leading the Commodores to come-from-behind victory over nationally-ranked Georgia, its’ first road win at Florida since World War II, and a victory over Houston in the BBVA Compass Bowl.
To many Commodore fans, Robinette’s greatest contribution came on Nov. 23, 2013 when his 5-yard rushing touchdown proved the winning margin over Tennessee in Knoxville.
Robinette opened the 2014 season as Vanderbilt’s starting quarterback, but struggled throughout the season with injuries — a knee strain suffered in the opener versus Temple and a concussion that came early against South Carolina. The injury suffered against South Carolina kept Robinette out of action for six weeks.
Robinette started playing organize football in the sixth grade. As a high school quarterback, he guided powerful Maryville High School consecutive state titles and a 29-1 overall record. He was the state’s Gatorade Player of the Year in 2011.
Robinette is expected to finish an interdisciplinary degree with honors this summer in medicine, health and society.
