Feb. 2, 2008

THIBODAUX, La. - When Jonathon Robinson left Nicholls as an assistant coach in the summer of 2002 to become an area scout for the New England Patriots, he had no idea that it would lead to two super bowl championships and a possible third this Sunday when they take on the New York Giants in Super Bowl XLII.

"I have been very blessed and very fortunate to have the opportunities that I have had," said Robinson. "My three years at Nicholls working with coach Thomas taught me so much about football and life."

Robinson was recruited by head coach Jay Thomas out of high school when he was an assistant at SEMO, but chose to attend the Air Force Academy instead of going to Southeast Missouri State. After one season, Robinson transferred to SEMO to play for coach Thomas.

"He (Thomas) did not have to take me back once I went to the academy, but he did, which meant a lot to me," said Robinson.

After having two good seasons on the defensive line for the Indians, who have since changed their mascot to the Red Hawks, Robinson suffered a career ending injury his senior season.

Luckily, a student assistant position was open, and the coaching staff allowed him to join up midyear.

"Coach Thomas really went to bat for me to join the staff, and they decided to let me on," said Robinson. "It really meant a lot, and that is where my whole coaching career began."

Robinson followed coach Thomas to Nicholls and coached linebackers from 1999-2002. Through the course of his three seasons at Nicholls, Robinson became the pro-liaison for the Colonels. It was during that time that he met Jason Licht, a regional scout who has since been named the vice president of player personnel for the Patriots.

After building a relationship over the course of two seasons with Licht, Robinson soon was recommended by him to become an area scout for the Patriots.

"I remember that we were in the middle of recruiting season and the Patriots offered me the position. What was great about it was that they allowed me to finish up my duties with Nicholls before going to officially work for them," said Robinson.

Jon was made an area scout and was placed in Atlanta where he stayed for four years, and in 2007 was promoted to regional scout overseeing the western half of the country while still being allotted some visits to schools in the southeast.

Although his job takes him across the country, the Union City, Tenn. native still can be found every Christmas in southern Louisiana. His wife, formerly Jaimie Bivens, is from Bourg, La. and the couple visits her parents Jimmy and Lynn during the holiday period. Jon met Jaimie while working at Nicholls.

"I love the area and the community that surrounds Nicholls," said Robinson. "If I had a son that wanted to play football, I would have no reservations sending him to Nicholls. I know that they are going to be treated right, and they are going to a have a fulfilling academic and athletic experience."

"My three and a half years there (Nicholls) taught me that if you want to succeed that you have to put in the extra work. You have to keep fighting if you want to win. With the Patriots, from the top to the bottom, we do just that."

Robinson will be in attendance in Phoenix Stadium when the New England Patriots and New York Giants square off in Super Bowl XLII at 5 p.m. on Fox.

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