TEMPE — Last week marked a different kind of anniversary for Arizona Cardinals defensive lineman Darius Robinson.
On Friday, the defensive lineman hit the one-year mark since he went down with a calf injury just before the season began.
Not necessarily the cheeriest of days to celebrate.
But after an NFL redshirt season with just six games played and expectations put on hold, Robinson’s come a long way from this time a season ago with another strong training camp on the resume and even more ball knowledge.
Just over a year removed from his calf injury, Cardinals DL Darius Robinson is grateful and having fun in Year 2. pic.twitter.com/EG94KyCUSP
— Tyler Drake (@Tdrake4sports) August 27, 2025
“I definitely feel like I took steps in the right direction. I ultimately had fun, honestly,” Robinson said Wednesday. “Then just kind of reflecting because I got hurt last year on (Aug. 22). That’s kind of been on my mind a little bit these past few days. Just being grateful to go out there each day right now and just be in the present sense and do what I need to do.”
Now well past the lingering calf injury, Robinson’s laser focused on making up for the time missed last season.
He’s definitely got a clear path at redemption, too.
Robinson heads into 2025 as a projected starter alongside Dalvin Tomlinson and Calais Campbell, a pair of newcomers (kind of) to Arizona’s defense.
It’s a credit to the work Robinson put in throughout the offseason, training camp and preseason paired with the natural progression many of the young Cardinals under the current regime have gone through after Year 1.
And having a veteran like Campbell, who has been outspoken in wanting to share his knowledge with Robinson and others, certainly doesn’t hurt.
Veteran influence on Cardinals’ Darius Robinson
It’s far from just the Xs and Os for Campbell and Robinson, with the veteran passing along valuable leadership knowledge that includes a few nudges and tough love
“It’s awesome having him here. It’s a lot because he’s probably the best teammate I’ve had my whole life, and we’ve only been together for like a month or two,” Robinson said.
“I think it’s when you visually can see somebody do big things and see what it looks like each day. I feel like it gives everyone else the opportunity to realize it’s really possible. That’s kind of what I think I channel through Calais is knowing that it’s possible to have as much success as you want in this game.”
Tomlinson, L.J. Collier and Dante Stills have also been key in Robinson’s development.
“We just enjoy having fun and playing ball,” Robinson said of the room.
‘The Juice Man’
Much like Campbell, the impact first-year defensive line coach Winston DeLattiboudere (Coach DeBo) has already had on Robinson has been lasting.
And it goes well beyond his very hands-on approach at practice.
The impact guys like @Coach_DeBo46 and Calais Campbell have already had on Darius Robinson cannot be overstated.
DRob on DeBo ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/d7WjnKPsT8
— Tyler Drake (@Tdrake4sports) August 27, 2025
“He’s just coming in with that juice every day,” Robinson said. “But he’s also I’d say a really phenomenal teacher as far as like the game of ball and in life.
“I feel like our meetings are very beneficial. Every time I leave our meetings I either got better as a football player or as a man. I just think he’s a great role model and leader to be in our room.”
After going through one of the toughest times of his life last year with the calf injury and passing of his mother, Robinson heads into Year 2 with a strong foundation that’s added some serious support beams in the locker room.
Things are trending up for Robinson.
Now, it’s about putting it all together and living up to his first-round price tag, especially with rookie defensive lineman Walter Nolen III dealing with his own calf issues. Nolen is forced to miss at least the first four weeks of the season on the reserve/PUP list.
The rookie was expected to contribute right away. Until he returns to action, it’s on an evolved Robinson and the rest of the DL room to pick up the slack on the field while continuing to be there for the young defensive lineman.
“Just kind of knowing my experience but not comparing them, just letting him know like have a positive mind frame and just work towards the goal each day,” Robinson said. “It’s just exciting to see him each day just doing a little bit more. He’s doing great, and I’m happy I can support him.”