Bursting onto the scene for Chicago in week 1, Bears defensive end Dominique Robinson was named Bears Player of the Game in their win over the San Francisco 49ers. After being drafted in the 5th round of the 2022 NFL Draft, Dominique Robinon turned heads throughout the preseason with the Bears. As he has quickly become a fan favorite, Dominique’s greatest attributes perhaps come away from the game of football. A committed man of faith, Dominique and his wife, Emma, hope that their time around the game of football is used to impact others.
Throughout his young career in the NFL, Dominique has been supported throughout the process by his wife, Emma. Both the children of pastors, Emma says that faith has been key to their relationship with each other.
Dominique says the reason he stands in the NFL today is because of his relationship with his wife.
“My relationship with my beautiful wife Emma has meant everything to me. She has kept me GROUNDED as well. In the times that I might have been stressed out a tad bit, she was there to help calm me down and realize that it will be ok. She gives me great advice and is someone I know will always be in my corner no matter what.”
Growing up, Emma and Dominique both were raised around the church. But both say it wasn’t until later in their lives when faith came to the forefront for them. Dominique said that in high school, he began searching for a deeper relationship with God that wasn’t just from his parents.
“I wanted to build my own relationship with God so I started reading a little more and focusing more on what my dad, or any other pastor, would be speaking on during services. Ever since then I’ve kept a routine of trying to read and pray daily. This routine has kept me GROUNDED. When things aren’t going the way I want them at times, I quickly remind myself that everything happens for a reason, whether good or bad.”
Dominique says that perspective has allowed him to take the field with joy knowing God is always in control.
“I rejoice and praise Him in both good times and bad.”
Similar to Dominique, Emma found herself searching for deeper meaning when she was younger. A volleyball star at Robert Morris, Emma says her answers began to come from the Athletes in Action organization at her school.
“I would say the spring of my freshman year of college was when I decided to really put my faith in Christ and keep Him at the center of my life. In high school I kind of started to live for myself and not really for God but I realized everything the world says you should do just left me broken. I went to AIA one night my freshman year of college and they talked about how God is the only thing that can fulfill you. It was really the wake up call I needed to realize what I had been missing from my life.”
Ever since that moment, Emma says she has seen her priorities shift in her life.
Now a week 1 star with the Bears, Dominique has treasured the opportunity to play the game he loves on the national stage. Dominique says that his talents are just a gift from God, and he hopes he can use them to praise Him always.
“The biggest impact I hope to leave is to remind others that God has given us all gifts to use, why not use them to the best of our abilities?”
Dominique also says he has learned that the road will not always be smooth, but there is always a way to make it through.
“There is no doubt that obstacles are going to come, but it’s about getting through those obstacles.”
Dominique has done just that, helping lead the Bears to a 1-0 start and being a presence every time he steps onto the field.
With Dominique’s NFL career only just beginning, Emma says she cannot wait to see all that he does with his gifts. Looking to be a light in the lives of others, together Dominique and Emma will make an impact wherever they go. As Dominique prepares for the rest of the season, Emma says she continues to be blown away by him and all that he is doing.
“It’s been so cool to be able to see Dom grow both on and off the field. On the field going from a wide receiver to a defensive end I saw him literally change his body to reach his goals. He’s one of the hardest workers I know, so to see him get that phone call on draft day was so emotional for me just because I’ve seen all the work he’s put in to get to that point. He’s also grown so much as a person he’s always been a great person who is strong in His faith and knows where he stands. But he just continues to grow in different ways. I’m so proud of him and who he is.”
Dominique says he can’t imagine his life without Emma and that she is what makes him whole.
“She is my other half. A perfect match of puzzle pieces.”
I know Emma, she’s amazing and I know their love for each other and our Lord will be a priority no matter where the future leads! So proud of both of these fine examples of Christ’s love for others through them!! Keep working hard and sharing the good news!!