Jim Grabowski battered through defenses as a record-setting fullback for the University of Illinois before bringing his championship-winning power to the NFL.
Football Bio
September 9, 1944 – James Wolfe Grabowski, a former fullback of the University of Illinois, was born.
As a sophomore in 1963, Grabowski was named the MVP of the Rose Bowl game after he helped lead the Illini to a 17-7 comeback victory over the Washington Huskies.
He finished his college career as the Big Ten’s all-time career rushing leader.
Jim made it to the NFL, playing for the Green Bay Packers and later the Chicago Bears.
The College Football Hall of Fame selected him to enter their halls in the 1995 induction ceremony. [National Football Foundation]
Jim Grabowski left his memorable play on gridiron history, transforming the Big Ten record books and capturing championship glory at both the collegiate and professional levels.
Accolades and Football Accomplishments
- Inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1995.
- Two-time Consensus All-American (1964, 1965).
- Finished third in the Heisman Trophy voting in 1965.
- Named the Rose Bowl MVP (January 1964) after leading Illinois to victory over Washington.
- Won the Chicago Tribune Silver Football as the Big Ten Most Valuable Player in 1965.
- Selected in the 1st round (9th overall) of the 1966 NFL Draft by the Green Bay Packers (and 1st overall in the 1966 AFL Draft by the Miami Dolphins).
- Won two NFL Championships and two Super Bowls (Super Bowl I and II) with the Green Bay Packers under Vince Lombardi.
- Concluded his collegiate career as the Big Ten’s all-time leading rusher.
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