Bijan Robinson has quickly risen to prominence as a premier running back in the NFL, but many fans have been mispronouncing his name. The common mistake is saying “Bee-jahn,” though Robinson set the record straight during a recent interview.
When asked about the proper way to pronounce his name on NFL Network’s Back Together Weekend, Robinson clarified,
Alright, how you pronounce my name is Bee-zhan for anybody that’s out there. I know a lot of people say Bee-jahn. It’s Bee-zhan.
—Bijan Robinson
Robinson’s Impact Since Entering the NFL
Robinson came into the NFL with strong expectations after an outstanding college career at Texas, where he rushed for 1,580 yards and scored 18 touchdowns in 2022. The Atlanta Falcons selected him eighth overall in the 2023 draft.
His rookie season displayed promising potential, as he rushed for 976 yards with four touchdowns and added 58 receptions for 487 yards and four receiving touchdowns. In 2024, Robinson took his game to another level, rushing for 1,456 yards with 14 touchdowns and contributing 61 receptions for 431 yards and an additional touchdown through the air.
The Falcons’ Offense and Robinson’s Role with Michael Penix Jr.
With Michael Penix Jr. installed as the Falcons’ starting quarterback, Robinson is expected to be the centerpiece of the team’s offense moving forward. The Falcons shifted away from Kirk Cousins, who started 14 games in 2024, and have committed to Penix for the upcoming season despite a 1-2 record to finish last year under his leadership.
Robinson will not shoulder the offensive load alone, as wide receiver Drake London and tight end Kyle Pitts provide key secondary threats. Additionally, the Falcons possess one of the league’s strongest offensive lines, ranked eighth by PFF, which bodes well for Robinson’s ability to gain yards consistently.
Potential for a Breakout and Name Recognition Ahead
The critical question for the Falcons is whether Robinson can break out like Saquon Barkley did in his second NFL season. With ample opportunities likely, it depends on whether Robinson can consistently get past the second level of defense to create large gain plays.
As Robinson’s prominence grows, NFL announcers and fans alike will need to adjust to the correct pronunciation. His name will be featured often throughout the season starting with the Falcons’ home preseason game on August 8 against the Detroit Lions.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Is Bijan Robinson a RB1?
A. PFF ranks him as the best fantasy running back. We previously mentioned doubts about Barkley repeating as the top running back. The chances of Gibbs scoring 16 rushing touchdowns on 250 carries are low. Bijan Robinson is the top running back and should be drafted accordingly.
Q. Why was Bijan Robinson in Outer Banks?
A. How Bijan Robinson found his way onto Outer Banks. The athlete formed a friendship with Jonathan Daviss, who plays Pope on the show. Robinson visited the Outer Banks set to watch Daviss work, and there he met Josh Pate, one of the show’s co-creators.
Q. Why is Bijan Robinson in Outer Banks?
A. Bijan Robinson visited the set of Outer Banks for the first time with actor Jonathan Daviss, who plays Pope in the series. During the visit, Robinson watched his friend work and met Josh Pate, the co-creator of the show. Pate recognized how much Robinson loves acting.