Rush star Sippio to make NFL debut vs. Bears
September 11, 2007 - Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
Chicago Rush News Release
Former Chicago Rush star wide receiver Bobby Sippio is set to make his NFL debut this Sunday, September 16, when the Kansas City Chiefs play the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field.
Sippio, who opened the NFL season on the Kansas City Chiefs' practice squad, was promoted to the team's active roster today.
In 2007, Sippio had one of the best offensive seasons in AFL history, helping the Rush to a 12-4 record and its third Central Division title. He was named First Team All-Arena after he set career highs and Rush records by catching 125 passes for 1,739 yards and an amazing 53 touchdowns - even though he missed nearly four games with a sprained ankle. Despite the injury, Sippio still finished the season as the AFL leader in touchdowns and scoring (318 points), and was ranked fourth in receiving yards and eighth in receptions.
Sippio was originally acquired by the Rush mid-way through the 2006 season. Upon his arrival he provided an instant spark to the Rush offense, catching 17 touchdowns in just five regular season games, before leading the Rush to the 2006 ArenaBowl championship.
After the Rush concluded its 2007 season with a loss to San Jose in the American Conference Final, Sippio was signed to a free-agent contract by the Chiefs. He became one of the featured players on the HBO series "Hard Knocks," which chronicled life in Kansas City's training camp.
Sippio Notes:
- Football Irony: While with the Chicago Rush, Sippio played two games against Kansas City's Arena Football team, the Brigade, catching 17 passes for 211 yards and eight touchdowns.
- With Sippio in its lineup the past two seasons, the Rush posted a 19-5 record and won the 2006 ArenaBowl title.
- Sippio set an AFL record in 2007 by catching five or more touchdown passes in a game seven times.
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