Former All-Pro LB Robertson dies in limo crash
MABANK, Texas — Former two-time All-Pro linebacker Isiah “Butch” Robertson was killed when the limousine he was driving skidded on a rain-slicked curve on a dark, rural East Texas highway and was hit by two other vehicles.
The Texas Department of Public Safety reports the crash happened about 10 p.m. Thursday on Texas Route 198, about 50 miles southeast of Dallas.
A DPS statement says the limousine driven by Robertson entered the curve at an unsafe speed for the rainy conditions, veered off the road and skidded sideways before coming to a stop partially on the road. A pickup truck following behind hit the limo, knocking the limo into the southbound lane where it was slammed by an oncoming car.
Robertson, 69, was taken to a hospital in Athens, Texas — about 20 miles away — where he died. The truck driver was treated for minor injuries and discharged. The other car driver was unhurt.
The Los Angeles Rams drafted Robertson from Southern University in the first round of the 1971 NFL draft. He remained with the Rams through 1978, then played from 1979 to 1982 for the Buffalo Bills.
Rams Hall of Famers Jack Youngblood and Eric Dickerson reacted to Robertson’s death on Twitter.
RIP Isiah Robertson. Came into the league @RamsNFL together. We pray for you and will miss you. 🙏🙏 pic.twitter.com/7r6MvCZjBW
Heartbroken to hear about the passing of @NFL @RamsNFL legend and my good friend Isiah Robertson. Isiah was such a good man. Isiah and his family are in my thoughts and prayers 🙏🙏
Robertson was named first-team All-Pro in 1973 and 1976 and was chosen for the Pro Bowl in his rookie season, as well as 1973 to 1977. He played 12 NFL seasons, and he had 25 interceptions and 15 fumble recoveries and scored four touchdowns.
“We are deeply saddened by the loss of one of our Legends, Isiah Robertson,” the Rams said in a statement. “He will be remembered not only for the great player he was, helping our team achieve multiple division championships in the ’70s, but also by the work he did helping others through the House of Isaiah recovery center he founded in Texas.”
The Associated Press contributed to this report.