Daron Payne opens up about relationship with Brian Robinson on Commanders

Daron Payne has welcomed Brian Robinson to the Washington Commanders with open arms.

The freshly revamped franchise may have a new mascot, but the Alabama still runs deep within the walls of the Commanders. The Crimson Tide have been sort of a pipeline for the franchise over recent seasons, and Payne is one of Nick Saban’s former stars who have made a name for themselves at the next level.

As Robinson looks to do the same after being drafted in the third round of April’s 2022 NFL Draft, the Commanders defensive lineman told The Washington Post about his relationship with the rookie running back.

“He’s like a little brother to me,” Payne said. “He always comes to me asking me about things, and I try to give him the best knowledge that I can. I’m excited to see him run the ball this year.”

Alabama fans fell in love with Brian Robinson, and Daron Payne is hoping Washington faithful will appreciate him as well. If he can have similar success during his rookie season as he did for the Crimson Tide, it’ll happen in no time.

More on Brian Robinson, Washington Commanders

Furthermore, Just making it to the National Football League is no easy task, even for the best some of the best college football players in America and some of the best athletes in the world. For former Alabama star Brian Robinson, Jr. it was a long road in which he had to stay patient along the way, despite plenty of uncertainty.

He recently detailed his journey from the Crimson Tide to the National Football League in an article written by Caroline Pineda of The Washington Post.

“If it was taking a small step every year to get where I needed to go by Year 4 or 5, I was good with that. I was coachable,” Robinson said. “I listened to my coaches. I trust that that plan for me will work out.”

And that journey has prepared him for the NFL where he knows more ups and downs are coming.

“It’s going to be tough sometimes,” the former Alabama running back said. “That’s just why I got to appreciate where I came from. My journey to get here kind of helped prepare me for that.”

Robinson is expected to compete for early-down and goal-line work in his first year with the Washington Commanders. The Commanders now have a remarkable amount of depth at the running back position, with Antonio Gibson, J.D. McKissic, Jaret Patterson, and now Robinson.

The man they call “B-Rob” is expected to take over as the team’s power running back, a position that was once held by former Washington Commander Peyton Barber. He’ll backup Antonio Gibson, while J.D. McKissic is projected to maintain his third down pass-catching duties.

The former Arkansas State standout was second on the team in catches last season, pulling in 43 catches for 397 receiving yards and two touchdowns. McKissic has very quietly carved out a role as one of the better pass-catching tailbacks in the league the past few years.

On3’s Wade Peery contributed to this article.