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GarySpFc · 09-12-2007, 01:19 PM

ChicagoSports.com
Sippio's jump

Bobby Sippio has gone from being one of the biggest fish in the Arena League pond to being a very small minnow in the NFL.

But at least he is in the NFL. The Chiefs signed the former Rush wide receiver two weeks into training camp and liked what they saw enough to keep on their practice squad.

"It's a blessing to be here," Sippio says. "I couldn't ask to be in a better place with a better organization. Just like Chicago, it feels like home to me."

Joining the Chiefs has required Sippio to make some concessions. He is making the minimum practice-squad salary of $79,900. Previously, he had reached an oral agreement with the Rush that would have paid him $135,000 in 2008 and made him the second or third highest-paid player in the Arena League. Even if Sippio is promoted at some point to the Chiefs' 53-man roster, it's likely he will earn no more than a prorated portion of the NFL's rookie minimum of $285,000.

"It had me thinking," Sippio said. "I made a sacrifice. I'm not looking at it as being on the practice squad a long time. ... I look forward to getting off it soon, learning the plays and being a part of the team."

Sippio is making a physical sacrifice as well as a financial one. He began training camp with the Rush in January and the Arena League season went until July 14. He signed with the Chiefs 30 days later after having caught 125 passes for 1,735 yards and 53 touchdowns.

"My body aches, dude," he said. "You can tell I've been in season. It's a nonstop toll on your body. I get in the ice tub as much as I can. I work out as much as I can. And the mental part, not having a break since January. But I can't complain. This is my dream, my goal and I just have to go with the flow."

Whether or not Sippio ever makes the roster will depend in part on his ability to pick up the system without the benefit of an off-season in the program or a full training camp.

Chiefs coach Herm Edwards says he has been very impressed with Sippio's hands, but said, "It's just a matter of if he can learn what we want him to learn. He's behind the eight ball. He has no idea of the system."

http://chicagosports.chicagotribune....5992797.column

09-12-2007, 01:19 PM	#71
GarySpFc Starter Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Kansas City area Casino cash: $10004900	ChicagoSports.com - Sippio's Jump ChicagoSports.com Sippio's jump Bobby Sippio has gone from being one of the biggest fish in the Arena League pond to being a very small minnow in the NFL. But at least he is in the NFL. The Chiefs signed the former Rush wide receiver two weeks into training camp and liked what they saw enough to keep on their practice squad. "It's a blessing to be here," Sippio says. "I couldn't ask to be in a better place with a better organization. Just like Chicago, it feels like home to me." Joining the Chiefs has required Sippio to make some concessions. He is making the minimum practice-squad salary of $79,900. Previously, he had reached an oral agreement with the Rush that would have paid him $135,000 in 2008 and made him the second or third highest-paid player in the Arena League. Even if Sippio is promoted at some point to the Chiefs' 53-man roster, it's likely he will earn no more than a prorated portion of the NFL's rookie minimum of $285,000. "It had me thinking," Sippio said. "I made a sacrifice. I'm not looking at it as being on the practice squad a long time. ... I look forward to getting off it soon, learning the plays and being a part of the team." Sippio is making a physical sacrifice as well as a financial one. He began training camp with the Rush in January and the Arena League season went until July 14. He signed with the Chiefs 30 days later after having caught 125 passes for 1,735 yards and 53 touchdowns. "My body aches, dude," he said. "You can tell I've been in season. It's a nonstop toll on your body. I get in the ice tub as much as I can. I work out as much as I can. And the mental part, not having a break since January. But I can't complain. This is my dream, my goal and I just have to go with the flow." Whether or not Sippio ever makes the roster will depend in part on his ability to pick up the system without the benefit of an off-season in the program or a full training camp. Chiefs coach Herm Edwards says he has been very impressed with Sippio's hands, but said, "It's just a matter of if he can learn what we want him to learn. He's behind the eight ball. He has no idea of the system." http://chicagosports.chicagotribune....5992797.column
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