From his days of earning all-state awards at Hillcrest High School to helping the Alabama Crimson Tide win national championships and getting drafted by the Washington Commanders, Brian Robinson Jr. has been able to thrive on the field because of his perseverance and determination. Last year, Robinson faced his toughest test when he was shot multiple times in Washington, D.C., but after six weeks of hard work and rehab, he was back on the field and made steady improvements throughout his rookie year.

Take a look at Robinson's story as well as the people and places that influenced him -- from his family to the days he spent on campus at the University of Alabama -- to gain more perspective on how the running back became the player he is today.

Robinson's family has always been a guiding motivation in his life. His mother, Kimberly Little, his sister Mimi and the rest of his relatives have supported him in every step of his life. Little strived to be there for as many practices, games and camps as possible when he was growing up, and Robinson appreciated the effort. In fifth grade, Robinson mentioned in a school project that the thing he loved most about his parents was that his mom was always taking him to his games and practices. He always wanted to make them proud, and he wanted them to know that they were who he played for whenever he stepped on the field.

Robinson didn't have to go far to find an opportunity to play football. He spent most of his time as a kid at Jaycee Fairgrounds, which was right across the street from his grandmother's house and the boys and girls club he attended growing up. It was there that Robinson was introduced to football for the first time.

There's plenty of legacy and tradition at the University of Alabama, and Robinson fit right in with the Crimson Tide. Robinson had to sit behind the liked of Damien and Najee Harris during his first four seasons. When he was finally elevated to the starting lineup during the 2021 season, he become one of the focal points for the offense. He rushed for 1,343 yards and 14 touchdowns that season, which helped lift him to 11th in rushing yards and 10th in career rushing touchdowns.

Robinson achieved a childhood dream when the Commanders called him in the third-round of the 2022 NFL Draft to let him know that he would be joining the Burgundy & Gold. Now, as he goes through his second season, he wants to help younger players follow in his footsteps. Earlier this year, he held a football camp for players in his hometown of Tuscaloosa, giving them a reminder that if they work hard enough, they can reach their goals, too.