Atlanta Falcons running back Bijan Robinson is not just living up to his “generational talent” billing; he’s exceeding it, quietly cementing his place as one of the NFL’s most dominant players while steadfastly refusing to bask in personal glory. His humility, coupled with breathtaking on-field production, has fans and analysts alike debating whether he’s already the best player in football.
The NFL landscape is constantly shifting, but some talents emerge so brightly they redefine expectations. Atlanta Falcons running back Bijan Robinson is one such player. Since being drafted, Robinson has captivated the league with a rare blend of power, agility, and vision. What truly sets him apart, however, is not just his exceptional skill, but his unwavering humility, even as accolades and high praise pour in from coaches, teammates, and even legends like LeBron James.
His recent career-defining performance against the Buffalo Bills, where he amassed a staggering 238 yards from scrimmage, has ignited a fervent discussion: is Bijan Robinson already the best player in football? While Robinson himself shies away from such declarations, his impact on the Falcons and his unparalleled profile as a running back prospect suggest that the conversation is far from hyperbole.
The Prodigy’s Path: From Texas to Top Draft Pick
The hype surrounding Bijan Robinson began long before he touched an NFL field. At the University of Texas, he was hailed as a generational talent, a running back prospect unlike any seen in years. Pro Football Focus (PFF) even rated him as the best running back prospect they had graded since they began evaluating college football in 2014, placing him above names like Saquon Barkley, Ezekiel Elliott, and Christian McCaffrey, as detailed by PFF. His collegiate statistics were staggering, including 3,410 rushing yards and 33 touchdowns on 539 carries, along with 805 receiving yards and eight touchdowns on 60 receptions over three seasons. His ability to break 104 tackles in a single season at Texas further solidified his elite status.
Despite the prevailing narrative of the running back position being devalued in the modern NFL, the Atlanta Falcons made a bold statement by selecting Robinson with the No. 8 overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft. This decision underscored their belief in his ability to be an exception to the rule, a player who could transcend the position and elevate an entire offense. Bleacher Report even predicted he would win both Offensive Rookie of the Year and NFL Offensive Player of the Year in his debut season, an unprecedented achievement, as reported by Bleacher Report.
Beyond the Hype: Dominating the Gridiron
Robinson’s NFL career has been a testament to his unique abilities. In his rookie year (2023), he recorded 976 rushing yards and four touchdowns on 214 carries, adding 487 receiving yards and four scores on 58 catches. His second season (2024) saw a significant leap, with 1,456 rushing yards and 14 touchdowns on 304 carries, alongside 432 receiving yards and one touchdown on 61 receptions, as highlighted by the Atlanta Falcons. His 1,456 rushing yards ranked third among all running backs in 2024, and his 1,887 yards from scrimmage placed him fourth.
This consistent, elite production earned him a spot on the NFL’s Top 100 Players of 2025 list, debuting at No. 62. The recent Monday night game against the Bills further solidified his rising superstar status. Robinson delivered a career performance, totaling 238 yards from scrimmage, including a career-high 170 rushing yards and an 81-yard touchdown run—the longest in the NFL that season, per USA TODAY Sports. This explosion of talent prompted Falcons head coach Raheem Morris to boldly declare, “He’s the best player in football. I’ve said it multiple times. I can’t say it enough.” Even NBA icon LeBron James shared his awe on social media, proclaiming, “Bijan so COLD!!!!!!!!“
The Humble Approach: A Star Defined by Selflessness
What truly makes Robinson’s ascent remarkable is his humble demeanor. Following his stellar performance against the Bills, when asked if he ever felt unstoppable, Robinson’s response was telling: “That’s not my style,” he said, drawing an analogy to a basketball player. “It’s like a three-point shooter… like Steph Curry, when he’s starting to get in a groove, the basket looks so big to him. It seems like he can’t miss.” This ability to deflect personal praise and focus on the broader game is a hallmark of his character.
His dedication extends to his pre-game rituals, where he studies film of other great running backs—a habit he says helps him refine his own game. For the Bills game, he watched Adrian Peterson highlights from Peterson’s freshman year at Oklahoma. Falcons veteran cornerback A.J. Terrell also noted Robinson’s effortless excellence: “Everything he does just seems so easy. Then you look around the league and realize how special he is. The way he can turn a simple play into a huge, big play,” according to USA TODAY Sports.
Robinson also understands the transient nature of success in the NFL, urging his team to avoid complacency. “Worship and praise, I’ve got to shut that down immediately, because that’s what hurts your team. That’s when you go to the next game and get blown out,” he stated. This leadership, combined with his on-field heroics, makes him a foundational piece for the Falcons’ future.
Dynasty Impact and Future Outlook
The fantasy football community recognized Robinson’s potential early, with some declaring him the best dynasty fantasy football player even in his rookie year of 2023. His dual-threat ability as a runner and receiver makes him incredibly valuable. Heading into the 2025 season, the focus for Robinson and the Falcons is on generating more “explosive” plays. As offensive coordinator Zac Robinson noted, “His vision, the way he can see and feel in tight quarters is unlike anything I have ever seen. We just hope for that uptick with the explosives.” Bijan himself echoed this sentiment, stating, “we’re all waiting for that Saquon type of season when it comes to explosives,” as reported by the Atlanta Falcons.
The Falcons‘ decision to draft Robinson high was rooted in a desire to elevate an already potent rushing attack. With a strong supporting cast and a commitment to utilizing his unique skill set, Robinson is poised to continue his trajectory as an NFL superstar. His performance will be critical as the team aims to establish itself as a consistent contender.
Conclusion
Bijan Robinson embodies the rare combination of extraordinary talent and genuine humility. While others may crown him the “best player in football,” his focus remains squarely on the team and continuous improvement. His dazzling plays, record-breaking statistics, and an intrinsic desire to lead by example position him not just as a thrilling player to watch, but as a potential all-time great. For Falcons fans and the wider NFL community, witnessing Robinson’s journey is a privilege, a reminder that true greatness often shines brightest when it’s least sought after.
