I had the pleasure of meeting Rex Grossman in December 2004. I was at Halas Hall on volunteer business with the Make-A-Wish Foundation. A child had wished to meet another Bears player, and it was my job to see that the child’s wish went well and to do whatever I could to make the wish as special as possible.
I was sitting with the family at a table in the lunch room waiting for the player whom the child had wished to meet when Rex Grossman came sauntering across the room (on crutches) with the most fantastic and friendly smile on his face. He asked who we were and why we were there. The young man who was there to have his wish fulfilled was shy and awestruck (as you can imagine), and he could not say very much.
I quickly engaged Rex in conversation. He was rehabbing from an injury earlier in the season. He was pleasant, warm and friendly, so down to earth. I asked Rex if he would have his picture taken with the Wish child. He said, “Sure,” and he clearly went out of his way to make this young man feel special.
I have never been so impressed with a human being as I was with Rex Grossman that day. Ever since I have been his No. 1 fan. When the press was down on Rex earlier this year, I would say, “Don’t count him out. He is a terrific human being and nobody deserves success as much as he does.”
I’m happy for Rex Grossman and the rest of the Chicago Bears organization. They’ve worked really hard to get where they are and they deserve this success. They’re going to go all the way–there’s no doubt in my mind.
