Out of the Ashes on the Wings of an Angel
Published on May 4, 2012 under Arena Football League (AFL)
New Orleans VooDoo News Release
JACKSONVILLE (May 4, 2012) - The New Orleans VooDoo team mantra for the 2012 season has been "Out of the Ashes" which has not rung more true than when the team broke The Graveyard Curse on April 6 by defeating the Tampa Bay Storm to end a 12-game home losing streak.
The tone for that monumental win was set early when VooDoo defensive back Demarcus Robinson, or 'D-Rob' as he's known to his teammates, intercepted a pass in his first defensive series of the season. Following his lead, the team played an inspired first half and went into halftime with a 19-point lead which they would not relinquish.
Even more amazing than the VooDoo expelling their demons is the touching story of what Demarcus had to overcome last October.
Demarcus was at work when he received numerous frantic calls from his sisters to inform him that their mother, Margaret Robinson, was the victim of a drive by shooting while visiting with Demarcus's grandmother. As he walked out of the door to meet his family at the hospital, Demarcus received one more call from his sister.their mother had passed.
"It can't be real, it's a dream," Demarcus recalled as his first thoughts.
Early in his professional career, Demarcus played away from his hometown of Tyler, Texas, first in Illinois while with the af2's Quad City Steemwheelers and last year in Cleveland alongside VooDoo teammates Kurt Rocco, Quorey Payne and Matt Denny.
"My mom and I had a close relationship," Robinson said, "She encouraged me during my career, telling me, 'You'll make it to the NFL one day son, just keep working hard.'" Robinson continued, "We spoke about football and my career and my dreams, but first and foremost she was my mom."
It was for this reason that Demarcus chose to sign with the New Orleans VooDoo in September 2011. "I wanted to be closer so she could watch me play professional football," he said. "It meant a lot to both of us for her to be at my games which she wasn't able to do before."
Margaret Robinson preached about faith and the importance of a relationship with God to her son, making sure he knew to count his blessings. "That is what has motivated me most since her passing - I know that she's watching over me like a guardian angel. She's guiding me to be where I need to be so I can achieve the dreams that we both shared. I'm driven to be successful, not just for me, but for my family. And that's beginning to happen now."
Demarcus took a moment after the VooDoo victory over the Storm to give thanks, "Before every game and each hour of every day I pray to God first, and then I talk to my mom. I dedicate every game to her and ask for her help to do well. I wouldn't be where I am without her, and I won't get where I want to be without her either."
With Mother's Day approaching next weekend, Robinson had an emotional message to give to the VooDoo faithful: "Cherish every moment you have with your mom. We each have only one so just cherish every second you spend with her and always let her know how much you love her - never let that go unsaid because we all think things like this won't happen to us, but we never truly know until it's too late."
Demarcus said he did take solace in the fact that the ones involved in his mother's death were caught and will be brought to justice. He and his siblings plan to visit Margaret Robinson's grave next weekend for Mother's Day and share in that family time as they did when they were younger.
Since returning from the injured reserve, Robinson has recorded 14.5 total tackles, one tackle for loss, one interception, five pass break-ups, and one forced fumble. In only three games, he has become the VooDoo's fourth leading tackler.
The VooDoo (3-3) travel to Jacksonville this Friday, May 4 to battle the defending ArenaBowl Champion Sharks (2-4) live on the NFL Network. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. Demarcus Robinson and the VooDoo look to win their fourth of five games as they rise from the ashes on the wings of an angel.
Arena Football League Stories from May 4, 2012
- Sharks Charge from Behind to Top VooDoo, 41-37 - Jacksonville Sharks
- Nelson Frisner Added to Roster - Tampa Bay Storm
- Out of the Ashes on the Wings of an Angel - New Orleans VooDoo
- Command Add Four to Roster - Kansas City Command
- Philadelphia Soul Prepare for Rival Mustangs - Philadelphia Soul
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