The Washington Commanders added to their secondary by signing former Detroit Lions cornerback Amik Robertson. Here are five things to know about the defensive back.
1. He was a three-year starter at Louisiana Tech.
Robertson was only a three-star prospect coming out of Thibodaux High School in Louisiana, but he didn't have to wait long for his shot once he joined the Louisiana Tech Bulldogs' roster. They threw him right into the starting lineup, and it was a role he held throughout his collegiate career.
Robertson held his own as a true freshman starting quarterback. He led the team with five interceptions and finished second with 7.5 tackles for loss. The performance earned him several accolades, including FWAA All-American honors as well as All-Conference USA and Conference USA All-Freshman Team nods.
Robertson put up similar numbers as a sophomore, this time leading the Bulldogs with four interceptions while also recording 61 tackles, 12 pass breakups, three quarterback hurries and two blocked kicks. Once again, Robertson was named an All-Conference USA selection, and perhaps unsurprisingly, he wrapped up his time with the Bulldogs by getting a third all-conference spot for grabbing five interceptions and batting away 16 passes.
Robertson left the program after a highly decorated three seasons. He earned a total of 15 accolades, including being named the LSWA Defensive Player of the Year, and finished his career ranked second among active leaders in pass breakups.
2. He overcame adversity.
Robertson is no stranger to facing adversity. He faced it at an early age, and he believes it helped shape him into the person he is today.
"I humble myself every day," Robertson said in a News Star article in 2018. "My dad and my family always told me they're always pushing harder."
Robertson described his hometown of Thibodaux, Louisiana, as a place that "nobody had hope that people could make it that far." Athletes who had a chance to make it out either had trouble with grades or would end up "on the streets." Robertson's father, Arthur Watts, was in prison for crack cocaine for the first five years of his life, and Robertson himself had a son by the time he was 15 years old. Robertson had to grow up fast, but he didn't let that change his outlook on life.
"You got to keep improving each day and humbling yourself and also put God first. You'll succeed," Robertson said.
Fortunately, Robertson's parents were there to help him. Watts made sure to guide Robertson away from the path he went down earlier in his life. Robertson's mother, Kima, also did everything she could to protect him from negative influences. Robertson also made serious efforts to be there for his son, Ayden Miguel, and it quickly became his biggest motivation in life.
"That kid helped me be the person I am today," Robertson said. "My mom and my dad was a part of that, but I think he was the bigger part. He's the reason why I'm succeeding every day."
3. He's coming off his best season.
Robertson is an experienced veteran with 35 starts in 86 appearances, but it seems like the Commanders are investing in him at the right time.
After spending most of the 2024 season as a reserve player in the Detroit Lions' secondary, Robertson started 10 games in 2025 and set a career-high with 52 tackles and 12 pass breakups. His Pro Football Focus numbers don't stand out, but the Lions were aware of how well he played in their system.
"Great guy. Great guy to have," Campbell said. "He's a skilled player, and he's tenacious, he's feisty, he's confident, and teammates love his energy because he does, he brings it all the time."
Although Robertson doesn't solve all the Commanders' problems in the secondary, he certainly does help. He would have tied with Mike Sainristil for the most pass breakups on the team last season and been second among cornerbacks in tackles. It's unknown what his role will be in 2026, but he will at least have some production.
Check out the top photos of future Washington Commander Amik Robertson.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Amik Robertson (21) intercepts the football intended for San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle (85) during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Jan. 1, 2023, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)
Detroit Lions cornerback Amik Robertson (21) is congratulated by the defense after an interception during an the first half of an NFL football game against the Cincinnati Bengals, Sunday, Oct. 5, 2025, in Cincinnati. (AP Photo/Kareem Elgazzar)
Green Bay Packers wide receiver Christian Watson (9) is tackled by Detroit Lions linebacker Alex Anzalone, left safety Thomas Harper, center, and cornerback Amik Robertson during the first half an NFL football game in Detroit, Thursday, Nov. 27, 2025. (AP Photo/Ryan Sun)
Las Vegas Raiders defensive back Amik Robertson (21) during a Thanksgiving day NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys, Thursday, Nov. 25, 2021, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Matt Patterson)
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Amik Robertson (21) celebrates during an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Chargers on Sunday, October 1, 2023 in Inglewood, California. (Ben Liebenberg via AP)
Detroit Lions cornerback Amik Robertson (21) is congratulated by the defense after an interception during an the first half of an NFL football game against the Cincinnati Bengals, Sunday, Oct. 5, 2025, in Cincinnati. (AP Photo/Kareem Elgazzar)
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Amik Robertson (21) during the first half of an NFL football game against the Denver Broncos, Sunday, Oct 2, 2022, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)
Dallas Cowboys wide receiver CeeDee Lamb, center, is tackled after catching a pass by Detroit Lions' Amik Robertson (21) and others in the second half of an NFL football game in Arlington, Texas, Sunday, Oct. 13, 2024. (AP Photo/Gareth Patterson)
Detroit Lions cornerback Amik Robertson lines up against Chicago Bears safety Tarvarius Moore during the first half of an NFL football game in Detroit, Thursday, Nov. 28, 2024. The Lions won 23-20. (AP Photo/David Dermer)
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Amik Robertson (21) celebrates a defensive stop against the New York Giants during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 5, 2023, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/John Locher)
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Amik Robertson walks to the field to warm up before an NFL football game against the Jacksonville Jaguars, Sunday, Nov. 6, 2022, in Jacksonville, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)
Detroit Lions cornerback Amik Robertson lines up during the first half of an NFL football game against the Chicago Bears in Detroit, Thursday, Nov. 28, 2024. The Lions won 23-20. (AP Photo/David Dermer)
Detroit Lions cornerback Amik Robertson (21) lines up in the second half against the Houston Texans during an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov 10, 2024 in Houston. The Lions defeated the Texans 26-23. (AP Photo/Maria Lysaker)
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Amik Robertson (21) runs back a fumble for a touchdown against the Denver Broncos during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 2, 2022, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/Abbie Parr
Detroit Lions cornerback Amik Robertson (21) tackles Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba (11) during an NFL football game in Detroit, Monday, Sept. 30, 2024. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Amik Robertson (21) runs the ball after an interception against the New York Giants during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 5, 2023, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/John Locher)
Chicago Bears wide receiver Darnell Mooney (11) is tackled by Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Amik Robertson (21) during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 22, 2023, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Kamil Krzaczynski)
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Amik Robertson (21) plays against the New York Giants during an NFL football game, Thursday, Nov. 9, 2023, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/John Locher)
Detroit Lions cornerback Amik Robertson (21) lines up in the second half against the Houston Texans during an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov 10, 2024 in Houston. The Lions defeated the Texans 26-23. (AP Photo/Maria Lysaker)
Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Tee Higgins (5) catches a two-yard touchdown pass as Detroit Lions cornerback Amik Robertson (21) defends during the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 5, 2025, in Cincinnati. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Amik Robertson (21) in coverage during an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Rams, Thursday, Dec. 8, 2022, in Inglewood, Calif. (Ben Liebenberg via AP)
Detroit Lions tight end Sam LaPorta (87) carries the ball against Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Amik Robertson (21) during the second half of an NFL football game Monday, Oct. 30, 2023, in Detroit. (AP Photo/Duane Burleson)
Detroit Lions cornerback Amik Robertson (21) against the Arizona Cardinals in an NFL football game, Sunday, Sept. 22, 2024, in Glendale, Ariz. Lions defeated the Cardinals 20-13. (AP Photo/Jeff Lewis)
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Amik Robertson (21) tackles Chicago Bears wide receiver Allen Robinson (12) after Robinson made a catch during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 10, 2021, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/David Becker)
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Amik Robertson (21) walks to the locker room at half time against the Detroit Lions during an NFL football game in Detroit, Monday, Oct. 30, 2023. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)
Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Xavier Worthy, right, dives to recover his fumble ahead of Detroit Lions cornerback Amik Robertson, left, during the first half of an NFL preseason football game Saturday, Aug. 17, 2024, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)
Cornerback (21) Amik Robertson of the Las Vegas Raiders against the Los Angeles Chargers in an NFL football game, Sunday, Sept. 11, 2022, in Inglewood, Calif. Chargers won 24-19. (AP Photo/Jeff Lewis)
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Amik Robertson (21) against the Los Angeles Chargers in an NFL football game, Thursday, Dec. 14, 2023, in Las Vegas, NV. Raiders defeat the Chargers 63-21. (AP Photo/Jeff Lewis)
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Amik Robertson (21) during an NFL preseason football game against the Los Angeles Rams Saturday, Aug. 21, 2021, in Inglewood, Calif. (AP Photo/Kyusung Gong)
Chicago Bears wide receiver Darnell Mooney (11) is tackled by Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Amik Robertson (21) during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 22, 2023, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Kamil Krzaczynski)
Las Vegas Raiders' Amik Robertson (21) and Divine Diablo (5) tackle Minnesota Vikings running back Alexander Mattison (2) in an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 10, 2023, in Las Vegas, NV. Vikings defeat the Raiders 3-0. (AP Photo/Jeff Lewis)
Buffalo Bills wide receiver Khalil Shakir (10) is tackled by Detroit Lions cornerback Amik Robertson (21) in the second half of an NFL football game in Detroit, Sunday, Dec. 15, 2024. (AP Photo/Rick Osentoski)
Detroit Lions cornerback Amik Robertson celebrates the team's 34-17 win over the Chicago Bears in an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 22, 2024, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Erin Hooley)
4. He's got position flexibility.
We don't know much about defensive coordinator Daronte Jones' system, but one certainty is that it will require its players to have some versatility. Robertson checks off that box.
Over the last four seasons, Robertson has split time between working in the slot and on the perimeters. It's not an even split, but he has experience in both with 2,757 combined snaps. Although he doesn't have much size at 5-foot-9 and 183 pounds, he's managed to have success against some of the league's best receivers like Justin Jefferson because of his intensity and energy. The Lions' second game against the Vikings was Robertson's best of the season, as he allowed just two receptions for 10 yards.
Robertson's versatility makes for an interesting combination with Sainristil, who has also played in the slot and on the outside over the last two seasons. The Commanders seem to be conflicted over where to put Sainristil, so the answer might be to have him and Robertson split time between the two positions.
5. He's going to bring some energy to the Commanders' secondary.
Robertson made it clear exactly what kind of player the Commanders are getting in him. He called him a "Tasmanian Devil" who is going to compete on every play.
"I'm not only going to play for myself; I'm going to play for my teammates," he said. "Try to chase perfection each and every day, not just for myself, but also this young secondary. I'm just ready to put it all on tape."
The Commanders could use a player like that after having one of the worst defenses in the league against the pass. Injuries played a role in the results, but the performances from the players on the field were also not up to the standards the team had set for itself. Robertson is determined to change that, even if he is a little undersized for the job.
"I never used it as an excuse," Robertson said of his height. "By me being this small, I got other things I have an advantage in -- my quickness and my feet. I'm always low to the ground, so I just use my advantages with it."
