John Fred Robilio (2000) - M Club Hall of Fame - University of Memphis Athletics

John Fred Robilio

Induction:
2000

John Fred Robilio was one of the fieriest football linemen who ever played for Billy J. Murphy and the Tigers. The Christian Brothers High School graduate signed with the U of M in 1960 and played through what many consider the greatest era in Memphis history.

Dominating line play, Robilio helped Memphis to a record of 33-5-1 over a four year span. The 1962 team finished the season ranked 17th in the national rankings and the undefeated 1963 team ranked 14th in the final UPI poll. The Tigers were 17-1-1 over the two year period.

Robilio is perhaps best remembered for his play against Ole Miss in 1963. The nationally-ranked Rebels and the Tigers battled to a 0-0 tie at Crump Stadium and Robilio was named The Sporting News' National Defensive Player of the Week for his work against the Rebels.

Following graduation, Robilio entered the business world in sales and marketing and served as the President of JFR Sales & Marketing Services.

He was inducted into the All-American Football Foundation Hall of Fame in 2000.