Detroit Lions cornerback Amik Robertson has opened up about the struggles and distractions he faced early in his NFL career, admitting that he “partied too much” during his time with the Las Vegas Raiders. The candid revelation came during his recent appearance on the “St. Brown Bros.” podcast, hosted by Lions receivers Amon-Ra and Equanimeous St. Brown.
Robertson, who joined the Lions after four seasons with the Raiders, spoke with striking honesty about how life in Las Vegas affected his focus and development as a young player. “I was partying … I was doing that a lot,” Robertson confessed. Vegas was tough. I don’t really gamble, but before, I was out all the time. I was in a bad place, bro, and that’s what forced me to go out a lot.
The 26-year-old cornerback was drafted by the Raiders in the fourth round of the 2020 NFL Draft out of Louisiana Tech. Known in college for his aggressive play and confident attitude, Robertson entered the league brimming with potential. However, the transition to professional football—especially during the chaos of the COVID-19 pandemic—proved far more difficult than he expected.
Robertson explained that he was asked to play nickel corner, a position he had never handled before. They just threw me in the water, he said. Never played that in my life. The combination of learning a new role, the lack of normal offseason preparation, and the isolation of the pandemic took a toll on him mentally.
The city of Las Vegas, with its nonstop nightlife and temptations, only added to the challenge. For Robertson, the lights and energy became both a distraction and a coping mechanism. When you’re in that environment and you’re already in a bad place mentally, it’s easy to lose focus, said Robertson. I wasn’t doing what I needed to do to get better.
Robertson’s self-awareness now paints a picture of a player who has grown from adversity. After his early struggles, he began to take accountability for his choices and prioritize football again. The defensive back slowly earned more playing time with the Raiders in 2022 and 2023, showing flashes of the physical, playmaking corner that scouts once projected him to be.
Still, he felt ready for a change. When the Detroit Lions signed him, Robertson saw it as an opportunity to reset—not only his career but his mindset. “Coming to Detroit, it’s a whole different vibe,” he said on the podcast. “It’s about football here. Everybody’s locked in.”
The Lions, under head coach Dan Campbell, have built a culture centered on discipline, toughness, and accountability—qualities that appear to have resonated deeply with Robertson. You can tell these guys care, he noted. That’s something I needed.
Robertson’s admission about his partying isn’t so much a scandal as it is a rare example of honesty in a sport where players are often expected to appear flawless. His openness sheds light on the unseen pressures that come with being a young professional athlete, particularly in a city like Las Vegas, where the off-field temptations are ever-present.
Sports psychologists often emphasize that the adjustment to the NFL can be as much mental as it is physical. For players drafted into unique or high-pressure environments, the lack of support or mentorship can amplify personal struggles. Robertson’s experience mirrors that of many athletes who have had to learn self-discipline the hard way.
“Vegas taught me a lot,” Robertson said. “It showed me what not to do.”
In Detroit, he has been given a chance to prove that those lessons have stuck. The Lions’ coaching staff has praised his maturity, competitiveness, and energy during practices. While he may not be a star name yet, his determination to rewrite his story has made him a respected voice in the locker room.
Amik Robertson’s story serves as a reminder that growth in professional sports often comes through self-reflection. His willingness to publicly own his mistakes and talk about mental health and personal accountability sets an example for younger players entering the league.
“Everybody goes through something,” he said. “It’s just about how you respond. I’m in a better place now.”
The Lions are hoping that Robertson’s renewed focus will translate into production on the field as they push for another playoff run. For Robertson, the real victory may already be happening off the field—where he’s proving that lessons learned under the bright lights of Las Vegas can lead to redemption and maturity in Detroit.