Washington Commanders running back Brian Robinson Jr. has only been in the NFL for three seasons. But he’s seen a lot in three seasons.

Robinson, a third-round pick in the 2022 NFL draft, had a nightmare start to his NFL career. On August 28, 2022, Robinson was shot in an attempted robbery in Washington, D.C. Fortunately, the injuries weren’t life-threatening and somehow he was able to return in Week 5. Robinson had a solid rookie season, rushing for 797 yards and two touchdowns in 12 games.

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In 2023, Robinson opened the season as Washington’s featured back, but then-offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy thought it would be wise to lead the NFL in pass attempts with an inexperienced quarterback and largely ignored Robinson, who was effective when given the opportunity. Unsurprisingly, the Commanders were one of the NFL’s worst teams, finishing with a 4-13 record.

That proved to be a turning point in Robinson’s career. The coach who drafted him, Ron Rivera, and his entire coaching staff were fired. Dan Quinn replaced Rivera, while Kliff Kingsbury replaced Bieniemy. Washington, behind sensational rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels, was one of the NFL’s top offensive teams. Instead of talking about culture every day for four years, Quinn immediately changed the culture. Players noticed, including Robinson.

“How everything started to where it is now, I couldn’t be more thankful and appreciative, for everybody who’s played a part in helping reshape this place,” Robinson told JP Finlay of NBC 4 Sports in Washington. “Because right now, it’s a beautiful place again. It’s a great place to play football. More people should want to play football here. Everybody who’s played a part in it deserves their flowers.”

Finlay brought up an example of Robinson and Quinn talking before a game last season. An injured Robinson wanted to play, but Quinn, looking out for the running back, chose to sit him. Robinson appreciated his coach looking out for his best long-term interests, rather than just one game.

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The former Alabama star also showed his appreciation of Washington’s ownership for the brand-new locker room that everyone was buzzing about last week.

This is a critical year for Robinson. He’s entering the final year of his rookie contract. The Commanders upgraded the offensive line this offseason, trading for Laremy Tunsil and drafting Josh Conerly Jr. in the first round. This could be the year that Robinson goes over 1,000 yards for the first time, which would be the right time for him.

This article originally appeared on Commanders Wire: Commanders RB Brian Robinson ‘thankful & appreciative’ of new regime