As a 6’2, 300-pound offensive guard for the Citadel, Morris Robinson scored first team All-Southern Conference, first team Kodak All-American, and second team Sports Network All-American. He wanted to play pro. Sports Illustrated profiled Robinson because the powerhouse also possessed a one-of-a-kind musical talent. At the South Carolina military academy, he’d sing the National Anthem. His deep voice was electric, and otherwise stoic boys would line up for autographs after Robinson’s concerts like fan girls.

The beloved son of a minister, Morris had performed music at his family’s church since he was a kid. He later joined the Atlanta Boys’ Choir and continued to play drums and piano. The Georgia native was a stand out on and off the field. Then he faced a brutal blow. College football teams worried he was too slow. Robinson felt crushed.

After dabbling as a bouncer, he worked in sales at 3m, where his huge smile and charm paid off. But Robinson was miserable. Luckily, his wife intervened.

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