ArenaFan Interview: Bobby Sippio
Tim Ball
Friday July 13, 2007
Finally.
Sippio is a superstar in the Arena Football League and his presence on the field is felt by fans and foe alike. Without doubt Sippio is the most explosive offensive player in the AFL and the Rush is in position to make it back to the ArenaBowl because of his talent.
Though finding his way to league stardom came by way of moving through some other teams, it’s clear from talking with Sippio that he has found a home in Chicago.
Since joining the Rush in 2006 with five games left in what looked like a dismal season Sippio was the ingredient needed for the most improbable Championship run in AFL history.
This season appears to be a continuation from the starting point of the Sippio era in Chicago as the Rush are arguably the best team in the AFL with Sippio leading an offensive charge no team dares ignore.
Chicago made the move during mid-season last year to bring Sippio in as offensive specialist and the rest, as they say, is history. Sippio and the Rush took a 7-9 regular season record all the way to a championship in ArenaBowl XX.
While Arena Football fans know all about the hype surrounding Sippio and his time with Dallas and Tampa Bay, another story gets left behind. Sippio comes across far more warm and caring when discussing his membership on the Chicago Rush.
When interviewd on the field after a home game, “Bobby,” – as the fans shout his name - rarely takes his eyes off the crowd gathered for his autograph.
While Sippio is animated and confident on the field and has a “reputation” of being brash with players and coaches, the Chicago experience has been anything but rocky. His teammates are truly that.
Now the Chicago crowds cheer him like a favored son and his teammates rally around him and Bobby Sippio, is just as quick to return the warmth.
ArenaFan: You seem happy on the Rush. Is it just the wins or is their something else?
Bobby Sippio: Chicago welcomed me and made me feel like an important part of the team from the first day I arrived. It was all about what we could do together for the success of this team.
AF: The Rush had only four wins when you joined the team last season and finished the most dramatic season in AFL history. Were you the key ingredient to taking a team that made the playoffs with a record of 7-9 and winning ArenaBowl XX.
BS: It’s more than that, I have confidence in my ability, but it takes a whole team pulling together to win it all. Chicago has made the playoffs every year and I’m just glad I was on a team that kept that going.
AF: Did you know many of the players on the Rush? It seems rather odd that you all jelled so quickly. How did that come about?
BS: I knew guys on the Rush. After all it’s a close knit league. Coach Hohensee has had this team in the playoffs every season since the franchise began. This is a team that realizes what it takes to win.
AF: Things didn’t work out for you in Dallas and Tampa Bay, what’s made the Chicago Rush such a nice fit?
BS: It starts with Coach Hohensee. He met with me and we worked on the future. There are many players I respect on Dallas and Tampa Bay but I’m just going to look forward as a Rush player now.
AF: Fair enough, in fact you get fairly emotional when discussing your relationship with the Rush, from Coach Hohensee to the fans, to your experience playing for the Rush.
BS: This is Chicago. This place has people that no what loyalty is. This is the city of the Bears, the Cubs, the White Sox and the Bulls. We’ve lost some games and these fans are still encouraging us and the stands are packed. That is something you don’t find everywhere.
AF: I notice that you rarely take your eyes off the fans when you’re being interviewed on the field after the game. Why is that?
BS: I am a fan too. I sit and watch our defense and special teams and I get just as pumped. It’s kind of hard to describe my feelings about this team really. There are thousands of fans still here after the game, whether we win or lose. Bob McMillen, Matt D’Orazio, Jeremy Unertl and several other players told me about this team and the support they get. It’s great and I want to give back.
AF: With the reputation you supposedly have, I don’t think people know how emotional you get when talking about this Chicago team.
BS: On the field during a game I have an attitude that has to do with winning a football game. After it’s over, I turn my attention to the people we play for. It’s all about returning the respect.
AF: Which brings me to the question: You and players like Colorado’s Damian Harrell bring an element of excitement to a game that elevates it to a one-on-one slam dunk competition. Do you think about the other star receivers on opposing teams?
BS: I’d like to say yes, but preparing for a game is keeping to what you do best for your team, not what some other guy does for his. If you get caught up in trying to beat one guy, you’ll end losing to a team. I just concentrate on what our coaches and our team does.
AF: On that note, you played quarterback in the playoff game against the Avengers, throwing a TD pass to, well, quarterback Matt D’Orazio who was playing receiver and later on another possession you lined up as quarterback again and ran for touchdown. How was that?
BS: Well I was a quarterback in High School and I still would like to think I got what it takes. But seriously, we just wanted to mix it up and when coach Hohensee gave us the call we went out and completed the task. If it means we move on in the playoffs, I’ll play anywhere he wants me to.
AF: Will we be seeing that during the game with San Jose?
BS: I’m not going to say what we’ll be doing against San Jose. But whatever I’m called on to do by Coach, I’ll do it.
AF: You speak about Hohensee in such important ways. People reading along cannot hear your tone of voice. What is it about him that you admire?
BS: Coach Hohensee is a guy that understands what we go through. He is the reason for my success here. OK, I’ve got talent, but so do many guys that are at home watching the games. He makes you realize the importance of what is in front of you right now.
AF: If there is one thing you could tell fans about your Arena Football life what would it be?
BS: It takes a team to win games not one guy. I like being counted on to make plays and I have an attitude that I want the ball, that’s what makes anyone successful. But I’m not blocking during a catch I’m making, I’m not throwing the ball, I’m not splitting the defense alone. It’s about a team effort.
AF: What’s the attitude through the playoffs? Does preparation change or the way you guys think about each game?
BS: You prepare to play your game. We know the teams we play. The SaberCats, the Avengers, it’s all about who makes the plays whether it’s a playoff game or not.
AF: It never crosses your mind that you’ll be matched up or compared to players the likes of James Roe?
BS: Roe isn’t thinking about me right now. And with all due respect, I’m preparing to do what the Rush needs me to do to win the next game. It’s not about going up against anybody. I’m sure there’s hype about it, but that’s for the press to talk about. Players prepare and focus on what they have to do. Not some other player on the other side.
AF: And here’s your chance to tell the AFL how you feel. What do you want fans to know about you?
BS: I’m not perfect, I’ve made some mistakes and I’ll probably make some more. I’m looking to the future because you can’t change the past anyway. But I really appreciate the place where I’m at right now. It’s hard to put it all into words, but I guess I’ll just say “Thank You,” to everyone, from my teammates to the people that come see us play.
AF: So, you’re having fun?
BS: I’m having fun.
AF: Win or lose?
BS: What do you think? C’mon now, you play to win.
Tim Ball is a writer in the Chicagoland area. Married and father of three, his opinions on Arena Football reflects the positive aspect of the game as a family event second to none in pro sports.
