Eddie Robinson began coaching football at Grambling State University without much fanfare.

During his 57 years of running the program, the rest of the nation discovered what the people and alumni in the small town in northern Louisiana already knew — a special man was at the helm.

Robinson’s first season at the historically black university came in 1941. By the time he retired in 1997, he accumulated a then-collegiate record 408 victories.

While his win totals are outstanding, Robinson is revered for the way he prepared his student-athletes for life.

During his tenure with the Grambling football team, more than 200 of his players competed in the National Football League, including 21 who played in the Super Bowl.

Robinson’s student-athletes consistently said that he stressed education. He also knew he had the responsibility to set an example for his players, most of whom were venturing away from home for the first time in their lives.

Robinson garnered many awards through his career, including the 1988 Horatio Alger Award, which goes to a community leader who demonstrates individual initiative and commitment to excellence. He also received an honorary doctorate from Yale University.

In 1997, the Football Writers Association of America renamed its college coach of the year award the Eddie Robinson/FWAA Coach’s Award.

"I wanted to be with the best, and I wanted to be good enough to coach the sons of mothers and fathers," Robinson is quoted as saying on Successfuloffice.com. "I didn’t care whether the son was white or black. Some have called me a great coach. Some have called me a great black coach. All my life I have simply wanted to be a great American."