When Chicago Rush owner Mike Ditka made his first hire, "Da Owner" knew exactly what he was looking for in a team ambassador. He needed someone larger than life who had a deep passion for Chicago and for the game of Arena Football. He needed a hard-working individual who cared deeply about the community; someone who loved kids, was generous and philanthropic, and who could build excitement for the Rush. This new mascot also had to be able to catch and tackle, in true Ironman-football form.

Simply put, Ditka wanted the team’s mascot to bring his lunch pail to work each day, become a positive influence in the community, interact with children through fun and football, and cheer-on the Rush to victory.

The candidate who proved to be the perfect fit is Grabowski. A throwback football player himself, Grabowski showed the outgoing personality, caring nature and football talents needed to become the official mascot of the Chicago Rush.