Remember when the NFL (No Fun League) had all of those strict rules about the assignment of jersey numbers? Wide receivers wore numbers between 80-89. Linebackers typically carried something in the fifties. It was once strange when two of Philly's top wideouts of a generation, DeSean Jackson and Jeremy Maclin, wore the numbers 10 and 18 respectively. These days, pro football has relaxed that old rule, and now, assignments are all over the place.
It isn't uncommon to see a wideout AND linebacker wear a jersey number featuring a single digit. Take DeVonta Smith and Nolan Smith for instance. Still, some of the old wine still tastes great in some of the new wine skins.
One of Philly's new defensive linemen, Ty Robinson, wore a single-digit jersey at the collegiate level while playing for Matt Rhule's Nebraska Cornhuskers. Seeing single digits on trench warriors isn't uncommon at NCAA programs. Rhule, however, hands them out for a unique reason. He has done so since his days at Temple. It's a show of respect and a sign that he views the player wearing said jersey as one of the toughest on his roster.
Matt Rhule is fully aware that Ty Robinson is headed to the best situation possible.
Where prospects are drafted is just as important as the fact that they have heard their name called. Playing in the right system for the right coaches can make a world of difference. Just ask Zack Baun. We're certain that he will echo that theory.
Rhule coached at Temple from 2006 until 2011 as a QBs/TEs coach and offensive coordinator. He returned in 2013 as the team's head coach, a role he served in until 2017 when he left to lead Baylor. He knows Robinson, having coached him since 2023.
His tutelage of the 2024 Third-Team All-Big Ten honoree has continued through the draft process. Recently, Ty met the Philly media as many members of the 2025 draft class were introduced. It sounds like the youngster was blown away by the praise he heard heaped upon the Eagles organization.
Ty Robinson said Matt Rhule told him: “You went to the best organization in the NFL.”
— Zach Berman (@ZBerm) May 2, 2025
Robinson: “I’ll take that any day of the week.” pic.twitter.com/HUvvHN5Ijp
It sounds like Rhule believes Robinson is going to be happy and just fine in the Eagles' locker room. He's right too. How lucky is Ty to land with the defending Super Bowl champs? He'll share meetings with Jalen Carter, Moro Ojomo, and Jordan Davis among others. He'll be led by one of the top D-line coaches in the game, Philly's Clint Hurtt.
He stated the following about the 'Vanilla Gorilla' at the start of Nebraska’s spring football camp (Yes, we verified that's an actual nickname). Thank Hastings Tribune for the quote:
"I was really proud of Ty" said Coach Rhule shortly after Ty's impressive showing at the NFL Combine. "I walked right in and the scouts that I have known from coming through the school and stuff said he crushed his interviews. Ty has been great talking about how great our facilities are and how we have gotten him ready (for the NFL).”
Robinson is going to be a monster at the next level. There's no doubt about it. He'll help the Birds make a smooth transition from the recently departed Milton Williams.