Drafted in the first round (14th overall) out of Penn State in 1963, Dave Robinson arrived in Green Bay as a physical anomaly who fundamentally altered the outside linebacker position. Standing 6-foot-3 and 245 pounds with a massive wingspan and raw sprint speed, Robinson gave Vince Lombardi a rare defensive weapon capable of completely taking over the left side of the field.

Robinson’s addition solidified Green Bay's renowned linebacking corps, joining Ray Nitschke and Lee Roy Caffey. After earning a starting spot in 1965, he became the primary defender against the league's best tight ends, regularly neutralizing Hall of Famers such as John Mackey and Mike Ditka at the line of scrimmage. His instincts in open space were just as effective, with five interceptions in 1966 helping lead the league's top-ranked scoring defense.

As playoff pressure peaked, Robinson consistently made game-changing plays that defined the Green Bay dynasty. His most memorable moment came in the 1966 NFL Championship Game against Dallas, where he correctly read a goal-line play, shed his block, and knocked quarterback Don Meredith to force a risky throw. Tom Brown then intercepted the pass in the end zone, securing the title. The following year, he finished a standout First-Team All-Pro season by earning MVP honors at the Pro Bowl, and also contributed to the defense's victory in Super Bowl II.

His run in the state of Wisconsin came to an end following the 1972 season when the rebuilding Packers traded the veteran linebacker to George Allen’s "Over the Hill Gang" in Washington for a 1974 second-round draft choice. After playing two final seasons in Washington, Robinson retired in 1974. Named to the NFL 1960s All-Decade Team, his legendary contributions led to his induction into the Green Bay Packers Hall of Fame in 1982, followed by a Senior Committee election to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2013.

As a Packer, Robinson had 21 interceptions and 22 sacks.