When you watch Brian Robinson Jr. lower his shoulder into a linebacker, it’s easy to forget he’s still in the early prime of his career. He plays like a man who’s been in the league for a decade. Heavy. Methodical. Physical. Honestly, it's that "old school" style that makes people guess his age is way higher than it actually is.
So, let’s get the numbers out of the way immediately. Brian Robinson Jr. is 26 years old. He was born on March 22, 1999. If you’re doing the math, that means he’s currently in that "sweet spot" for NFL running backs where the physical peak meets professional maturity.
But age in the NFL isn't just about the date on your birth certificate. It’s about the "tread on the tires," and for B-Rob, that story is a bit more complicated than most.
Why Brian Robinson Jr Age Matters for the 49ers
The San Francisco 49ers made waves when they traded for Robinson in August 2025. Giving up a 2026 sixth-round pick for a 26-year-old bruiser was, frankly, a steal. Most teams are terrified of running backs hitting their late 20s, but Robinson is a different case.
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You've got to look at his college years at Alabama. Most guys with his talent leave school after three years. Robinson didn't. He stayed for five. He sat behind guys like Najee Harris and Josh Jacobs, basically waiting his turn until 2021.
- Freshman Year (2017): 18 years old, playing behind future NFL stars.
- The Wait (2018–2020): He was the reliable "B-side" to Alabama’s primary rushers.
- The Breakout (2021): At 22, he finally became "The Guy," racking up 1,343 rushing yards.
Because he didn't get 300 carries a year in college until his final season, his body didn't take the typical SEC beating. That's why at 26 years old, he looks fresher than many 23-year-olds who were "bell cows" from day one.
The August 2022 Incident: A Different Kind of Aging
You can't talk about his career without mentioning the shooting. In late August 2022, just as he was about to start his rookie season at age 23, Robinson was shot twice during an attempted carjacking in D.C.
One bullet went through his knee. Most players would have been done.
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Instead, he was back on the field in 42 days. That kind of trauma ages a person mentally, if not physically. When people search for Brian Robinson Jr age, they’re often looking for how much time he has left in the league. If he can survive that and still put up nearly 800 yards as a rookie, his "football age" is remarkably resilient.
Recent Production and the 2025 Move
After three solid years with the Commanders, including a career-high eight rushing touchdowns in 2024, Washington decided to move in a different direction. Their loss was Kyle Shanahan's gain. In the 2025 season, Robinson served as the perfect hammer alongside Christian McCaffrey.
Even as a rotational piece, he put up 400 yards and two scores in 2025, averaging a healthy 4.3 yards per carry. He turned 26 during the offseason of that year, and he’s currently entering the final year of his rookie contract. This is the age where running backs usually look for that one big payday.
Career Milestones by Age
- Age 18: Wins a National Championship with Alabama (2017).
- Age 21: Wins a second National Championship (2020).
- Age 23: Drafted 98th overall by Washington and survives a life-altering shooting.
- Age 25: Traded to the 49ers after a career-best season in D.C.
- Age 26: Solidifies his role as a premier power back in San Francisco.
What's Next for B-Rob?
Honestly, the league is shifting. Teams aren't looking for the 30-carry-a-game guy anymore. They want specialists. At 26 years old, Robinson is the gold standard for "short-yardage and goal-line" efficiency. He’s 6'1" and 225 lbs of pure Tuscaloosa muscle.
He doesn't rely on 4.3 speed—which is lucky, because that's the first thing to go as you get older. He relies on vision and contact balance. Those traits age like fine wine.
If you're a fantasy manager or a 49ers fan, don't let the "26" scare you. In running back years, he’s probably closer to a "young 25" because of his low-usage years in college.
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Watch his usage in the 2026 season. As McCaffrey continues to handle the "space" work, Robinson is the one who will be closing out games in the fourth quarter. That’s where his maturity and physical frame really shine.
Actionable Insight for Fans: If you're tracking his value, keep an eye on his "yards after contact" stats. As long as that number stays above 2.5, his age is irrelevant. He is currently under contract through the end of the 2025-2026 cycle, making him a prime candidate for a savvy veteran extension if he continues to provide that much-needed "bruiser" element to the Niners' backfield.