While the AFL celebrated its 21st ArenaBowl championship game, it can never be forgotten that it is the veteran players that have given this league its past, present and future.

Bob McMillen has played Arena Football for thirteen years. He is destined for the AFL’s Hall of Fame and is one of the players the AFL and its fans will look back on with immense pride.

McMillen has been through it all and has seen the AFL’s indoor version of football go from virtual obscurity to being embraced by the mainstream.  

From the start of this season McMillen has said that the time is now to retire and move on.

Holding the all-time rushing record (1,417 career yards) in a league known mostly for passing records McMillen has been a fan favorite of youth and adults in equal numbers. 

As a member of Arizona, San Jose and Chicago, McMillen has been on three different Championship teams. A distinction he shares only with good friend and ex-teammate Darrin Kenney (Arizona and San Jose).

Honored as the cover athlete for the 2007 EA Sports Arena Football home video game and hailed as one of the 20 Greatest Players in AFL history as part of the league’s 2006 celebration of its first 20 seasons, McMillen is humble and reserved about the accolades he has garnered throughout his career. 

McMillen leaves the Arena Football League a beloved player, a true role model and hero for the next generation of players and fans to embrace in the record books.

While the football and sports world is learning about Arena Football, nothing can erase its rich and passionate history and the men like McMillen that have literally carried the AFL on their shoulders.

McMillen sat down with ArenaFan Online to share some of his thoughts and feelings with the fans and sport he holds so close to his heart.

ArenaFan: Congratulations on a great career. What do you take with you as your most important memories?

Bob McMillen: The players and coaches of the teams I played on are very important to me. I’ve seen this league change in many ways, but the people I’ve spent time with on the field I’ll remember the rest of my life. But equally, is my family being there throughout my career.

AF: You have such a supportive family. Your wife and children are always ar the games. You went up into the stands and gave your father the ball when you set the rushing record. How important is their support?

BM: My family is the biggest reason I stayed in the AFL as long as I did. My wife has given me the support I needed. My father is my best friend and I wanted to honor his commitment to me.

AF: The fans in Chicago are pretty emotional about you. What’s that all about?

BM: Chicago is my home. I have played for talented teams in great cities but there is no place like Chicago. The people are the best fans in football and they know I care about them too.

AF: And bringing an ArenaBowl Trophy to Chicago how did that feel? 

BM: It’s the best thing a football player can do for the fans that support them. I’m very proud to have brought a championship home. 

AF: What’s it feel like with all of your years in the league to see the AFL get the recognition it now has? Being carried by NBC, ABC and ESPN, did you think in the early days that it would be where it is now?

BM: No not really.. In those days teams were folding quite often and things looked bleak many times. If you look at the names of past ArenaBowl champions, some of those teams don’t exist anymore. To see where the league is now is great.

AF: Why, or how, did Arena Football survive then?

BM: The game itself is a great game. Arena Football is intense. Many of us players thought it could be successful if given the chance. 

AF: What kept you in the AFL for so many years?

BM: I love the game and without doubt my family supported me through it all. The stories about the hardships endured by the players are true but remember their families go through it too.

AF: How do you feel about the growth of the AFL in avenues like the EA Sports video game, television coverage and now even positive press coverage?

BM: Great, but mainly, because the players and coaches deserve it. Like I said, the league wasn’t always as stable as it is now and the people that dedicated their lives to the AFL deserve what’s happening for the league. The recognition is long overdue. 

AF: You are retiring after thirteen years in the league. What will it be like not playing anymore? Will you be in coaching or player development?

BM: I knew it was time to retire. I didn’t want to stick around past my time. I have spoken with management. Right now I’m looking at several options. I definitely want to be involved with football in some capacity. 

AF: You’ve been on three championship teams, which one was the most special? You mentioned winning for Chicago, would that be the one you’ll remember most?

BM: Each team has its special memories. Arizona was my first, San Jose was a truly talented team if not the best ever, but winning here in Chicago my home town, the way we did was definitely something I’ll never forget.

AF: There have been many rules changes that you have been witness to. What is your opinion of some of the newest rules changes?

BM: It was tough to see the two-way positions change to unlimited substitution but only time will tell. Like you mention, I’ve seen a lot of changes and I have no doubt I’ll see more. As long as the nature of Arena Football is not changed to be a copy of something else then things can be adjusted from time to time without too much of a problem.

AF: There’s little doubt that you will be elected to the AFL Hall of Fame. Your career will be showcased in Canton Ohio, what are your feelings about that?

BM: Overwhelming. To be a member of the Hall of Fame is something that I’ll have to experience to know the feelings. But to be honored in that way would be a great moment in my life.

AF: The Rush has made the playoffs every year in franchise history. What is it about Chicago that has made it such a successful franchise?

BM: The ownership has the right people in the right places. Coach Hohensee has a great attitude about involving players in decisions but always being the leader. I feel I was always respected for my opinions as well as my abilities.

AF: You are a crowd favorite in Chicago, there are so many number 44 jerseys, so many McMillen signs and the cheers are often deafening. What would you like to say to your fans? 

BM: Thank you so very much. I’ve had a great career because of the people in this league. I’m thankful to have been with the players of this league as well. I’ve met so many great people and families. The most special aspect of this game is the people you meet and get to know. I feel truly blessed.