Denard Robinson will forever be a heroic figure to Michigan football fans.
But this week, he probably should have kept his mouth shut and focused on his NFL career.
Robinson appeared on the Big Ten Network on Wednesday to talk about this weekend's Michigan-Notre Dame game -- a rivalry that helped make his legend with last-minute victories in 2010 and 2011. In the process of his TV appearance, he opened an old wound that isn't going to help the Wolverines.
When asked about Michigan's biggest rivalries, Robinson couldn't resist taking a shot at Michigan State.
"Of course, we've got to say that Ohio is the biggest one," he said, following Brady Hoke's rule of never referring to Ohio State by its full name. "(Then) Notre Dame and (third) Michigan State, our little brothers."
Really, Denard? Are you sure you think that's a good idea?
At least when Mike Hart coined that nickname, it was at the end of a career where he went 4-0 against the Spartans.
The Wolverines went 1-3 when you were there, and when you finally did beat them as a senior, it was because your defense held them to 10 points on a day when you went 14-for-29 for 163 yards and an interception. Yes, you ran for 96 yards and hit Drew Dileo on the pass that set up the winning field goal, but that's about the only highlights you ever had against the Spartans.
Remember 2011: Michigan State 28, Michigan 14? You couldn't crack 200 yards of total offense, and had an interception returned for the game-clinching touchdown.
Or 2010, when the Spartans smashed you 34-17 at the Big House? You were a Heisman Trophy candidate until the three interceptions you threw that day.
Even as a freshman, when the Spartans led 20-6 early in the fourth quarter, RichRod put you in to try to kick-start the offense. Your three plays at quarterback ended up with a punt on fourth-and-26 -- without a penalty -- and quickly brought Tate Forcier back into the game.
Denard, you are a legend at Michigan. I'm sure Jack Wangler is honored to wear your No. 16. People will never forget the two Notre Dame games and the way you ended the streak against Ohio State.
Next time, though, leave the trash-talking to the guys who backed it up with wins on the field. If someone asks you about Michigan State in November, just mumble something about it being a great rivalry and how much respect you have for the program.
In the meantime, good luck with the Jaguars.
