How Molly Robinson found an unexpected path from Belmont to the NFL
When Molly Robinson (‘14) first started at Belmont as an exercise science major, she planned to become a physical therapist. Today, she's celebrating a Super Bowl victory as a licensed massage therapist for the Philadelphia Eagles — an exciting career path she never anticipated but one for which her Belmont education perfectly prepared her.
"Everything I learned in my exercise science studies is what propped me up to be confident enough to assert my intentions for working with athletes," Robinson said. "Because of my background, I have such a detailed understanding of the body and things that athletes are going through."
Finding Her Path at Belmont
Robinson's National Football League (NFL) journey began as an undergraduate when she combined her exercise science major and nutrition minor with a role in the University's FitRec Department. As a student coordinator for personal training and group fitness, she discovered her passion for working directly with clients.
After graduating with her BS in exercise science in 2014, she was admitted to Belmont's physical therapy program. However, something didn’t feel quite right.
“I just knew in my gut that wasn’t the path I was supposed to take,” Robinson said. “So, I did
some more research and eventually found massage therapy.”
She enrolled in massage therapy school immediately after graduation, and her timing was perfect — as she completed her certification, the Tennessee Titans were seeking a second massage therapist. Through a connection with fellow Belmont alumnus Blake Mundell, who was already working with the team, Robinson landed the position.
Life in the NFL
She spent seven seasons with the Titans before moving to South Jersey with her husband. Her NFL connections and experience helped her secure her current role with the Eagles, where she's now completed three seasons.
No two days have looked the same in Robinson's career. During the season, she might work anywhere from two to 12 hours, depending on the team's schedule. She moves throughout the facility, from the weight room to the recovery room, providing pre-practice preparation and post-practice recovery services.
"It's different all the time," Robinson said. "I'm definitely not one of those people that can go to the same place and sit at the same desk and do the same thing every day, so this has been so great for me."
This season proved particularly special as the Eagles advanced to Super Bowl LIX. Robinson described a "calm and focused energy" that permeated the entire organization during its playoff run.
"This particular season for the Eagles has definitely felt like everything has melded together really well," Robinson said. "Everybody's on the same page. And it was a really magical thing to see."
That cohesion and teamwork paid off in a big way, as the Eagles defeated the Kansas City Chiefs on the NFL’s biggest stage. "It feels so surreal," Robinson said of their Super Bowl win. "We’re all so excited.”
The Team Behind the Team
While fans see the players on the field each Sunday, Robinson explained that success in the
NFL requires a comprehensive support system working behind the scenes. From strength coaches and nutritionists to recovery specialists and massage therapists, each role plays a vital part in keeping players healthy and performing at their peak. This collaborative approach ensures players receive specialized care and support throughout the demanding NFL season.
"It's easy to think my job is so small, the players don't really need me," Robinson said. "But if you were to ask the players, they would say the nutritionists are vital to what we do. Massage therapists are vital to what we do. The strength staff is vital to what we do. It's really cool to be part of an organization that values every single individual job and knows that it plays a major role in each player's performance."
Words of Wisdom
For current Belmont students exploring their future careers, Robinson offers two key pieces of advice: keep your options open and make your intentions known.
"What you think you want to do for the rest of your life could very well be true, but your interests could absolutely change," she said. "Keep your eyes, your ears and your heart open to every opportunity that sounds interesting to you. You never know where it might lead."
Learn more about exercise science at Belmont