Top RB prospect names Academy Award winner as mentor

Texas running back Bijan Robinson Aaron E. Martinez / USA TODAY NETWORK

Top RB prospect Bijan Robinson names Academy Award winner as mentor

By Colum Dell | Last updated 4/12/23

Texas' Bijan Robinson is considered the top running back prospect in the 2023 NFL Draft, but before he plays a down, he's already mulling a career beyond football.

During a recent interview with NFL Network, Robinson admitted that he'd like to get into acting and revealed that he has even received some pointers from an Oscar-winning performer.

"Matthew McConaughey, he's a huge Texas fan," said Robinson. "I met him my junior year of high school on an unofficial visit, and we talked for a little bit. But then, my freshman year is when our relationship just grew.

"It's a blessing because now, to this day, I'll go over to his house, I'll see his family, he'll give me some notes and teaching moments on how to be an actor. So it's really cool to have him in my corner and really be able to get to know him."

One of @Bijan5Robinson's biggest mentors ➡️ @McConaughey

Get to know the potential first RB taken off the board.

: 2023 #NFLDraft – Starts Thursday, April 27 on NFLN/ESPN/ABC
: Stream on NFL+ pic.twitter.com/1ehSEUNevo
— NFL (@NFL) April 11, 2023

Besides McConaughey's on-screen mentorship, Robinson has a pair of prominent Texas football figures as advisers: Earl Campbell and Ricky Williams. It makes sense that they were drawn to Robinson since they're two of only three running backs in school history to rush for more career yards than the 21-year-old.

During his three seasons at Texas, the versatile Robinson recorded 4,215 yards from scrimmage and 41 touchdowns. Last season, he earned a unanimous All-American selection and won the Doak Walker Award given to the nation's top running back.

Bijan Robinson has some absolutely insane carries. I am blown away. pic.twitter.com/MMoPZeqZuS
— Brenden Deeg (@BrendenDeeg_) April 7, 2023

In ESPN analyst Mel Kiper Jr.'s latest mock, Detroit selects Robinson 18th overall, although he might not fall that far on draft day. With his talent, the tailback has the potential to land inside the top 10, which no running back has done since Saquon Barkley was drafted second overall in 2018.

After Robinson retires from football, perhaps McConaughey's insights will help him join a long lineage of ex-NFL players turned actors, which includes Hall of Famers Jim Brown and Merlin Olsen. However, that's still far off; assuming Robinson stays healthy, he should enjoy a long and prosperous career in the NFL.

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