Rex Grossman

Rex Grossman

Grossman during his tenure with the Chicago Bears.
Washington Redskins
Career information
College:	Florida
NFL draft:	2003 / round: 1 / pick: 22
Career history
Chicago Bears (2003–2008) Houston Texans (2009) Washington Redskins (2010–present)
Career highlights and awards
First-team All-American (2001) Heisman Trophy runner-up (2001) AP National Player of the Year (2001) NFC Offensive Player of the Month (Sep 2006) NFC Champion (2006) Ed Block Courage Award (2006)
Career NFL statistics as of Week 8, 2010
TD-INT: 33–36 Passing yards: 6,197 QB Rating: 69.5

Rex Daniel Grossman, III (born August 23, 1980) is an American football quarterback for the Washington Redskins of the National Football League. He graduated from Bloomington High School South and attended the University of Florida on an athletic scholarship. Grossman led the Florida Gators to the 2000 SEC Championship, the 2001 Sugar Bowl, the 2002 Orange Bowl and the 2003 Outback Bowl. He was the runner-up for the 2001 Heisman Trophy.

Grossman began his professional career with the Chicago Bears as the twenty-second overall selection in the 2003 NFL Draft, but spent most of his first three seasons sidelined with injuries. He completed his first full season in 2006, leading the Bears to a National Football Conference Championship, and helping the team score the second most points in the league. He eventually lost his starting job three weeks into the 2007 season, and primarily served as the team's backup quarterback. Grossman departed from the Bears in 2009 and spent a year as a back-up quarterback for the Houston Texans prior to joining the Redskins in 2010.

Early life

Rex Grossman was born in Bloomington, Indiana, the son of Daniel and Maureen Grossman. Under the motivation and guidance of his father, Grossman began playing football at an early age in grade school. He originally started his football career as a running back. Despite his success as a running back, Grossman’s mother asked his coach to convert him to a quarterback while he was in the sixth grade.

Grossman attended Bloomington High School South, where he played high school football for the Bloomington South Panthers. In two seasons as the Panthers' lineup, he threw 97 touchdowns for 7,518 yards. Grossman threw 44 touchdown passes during his senior year, including a game where he threw six and two games where he threw four. His senior season reached its climax on November 28, 1998, when he led the Panthers to a 35–14 Indiana Class 5A championship title over Homestead High School Spartans. Grossman threw five touchdowns for 216 yards, setting a record for most touchdowns thrown in a state championship game.

Grossman received national recognition as the 1998 Indiana Player-of-the-Year by USA Today, and was ranked among the top fifteen players in the nation by the National Recruiting Advisor. Parade magazine also named him to their All-America team. He received state-wide honors when he was named Indiana's Mr. Football later that year. Residents of his hometown community still remember his accomplishments and passing records. Grossman’s high school retired his jersey in the summer of 2007 to commemorate his initial return and success during the 2006 season.

College career

After completing high school, Grossman elected to attend the University of Florida, instead of Indiana University, where his father and grandfather played football. After redshirting his freshman year, Grossman became Florida’s third string quarterback, behind Jesse Palmer and Brock Berlin. Grossman struggled during his first game as the Gators' starting quarterback. After being called to fill in for the injured Palmer, Grossman threw three interceptions against the University of Georgia, prompting coach Steve Spurrier to bench him in favor of Berlin. Grossman rebounded during the following week by completing 21 of 34 passes for 334 yards and two touchdowns.

Grossman continued his success by leading the Gators to a 10–2 season in 2001. He came in second to University of Nebraska quarterback Eric Crouch in one of the closest votes in Heisman Trophy history, losing by only 62 votes. He also earned accolades as the AP National Player-of-the-Year, and finalist for other awards, including the Walter Camp National Player-of-the-Year Award, Maxwell College Player-of-the-Year Award and Davey O'Brien National Quarterback-of-the-Year Award. Grossman played in the famed "Slingin' in the Rain" game against Louisiana State University, where he threw 22 completions in 32 attempts, for 464 yards and 5 touchdowns, en route to a 44–15 victory over the Tigers. In 2006, in an interview with the Chicago Tribune, Grossman claimed the victory to be his most memorable game at the University of Florida. He ended his sophomore season with a 56–23 victory over the University of Maryland in the 2002 Orange Bowl.

Grossman completed his junior year by leading the Gators to the 2003 Outback Bowl, where they lost to University of Michigan 38–30 despite his completing 21 of 41 passes for 323 yards and two touchdowns. Under the helm of Ron Zook, Grossman decided to forego his final year of collegiate eligibility and declared for the NFL Draft. Grossman achieved many feats during his collegiate career, including either breaking or approaching many of the records set by Danny Wuerffel, and earned a 146.77 passer rating, becoming the third most efficient passer in the Southeastern Conference's history. He also threw 77 touchdowns for 9,164 yards.

Professional career

Chicago Bears

The Chicago Bears selected Grossman during the first round of the 2003 NFL Draft. Under the leadership of coach Dick Jauron, Grossman was sidelined in favor of veteran quarterbacks Chris Chandler and Kordell Stewart. Grossman only saw playing time during the later portion of the season after the Bears had been eliminated from playoff contention. His season ended when he was forced to leave the final game with a broken finger. Prior to the start of the 2004 NFL season, the Bears fired Jauron and hired Lovie Smith, who declared Grossman the team's starting quarterback. Grossman was criticized when he threw a game-ending interception against the Detroit Lions on opening day. Criticism of his durability intensified when he damaged his knee ligaments while scrambling for a touchdown against the Minnesota Vikings. The injury forced Grossman to spend the remainder of the season recuperating.

Grossman missed most of the 2005 season after breaking his ankle in a preseason game. Grossman appeared in a press conference after the game, where he remarked “Shit happens” to a crowd of spectators. On December 18, 2005, Grossman returned to the field, leading the Bears to a 16–3 victory over the Atlanta Falcons. In the following game against the Green Bay Packers, he completed eleven of sixteen passes for 166 yards for a touchdown and one interception in a 24–17 victory. Grossman’s victory enabled the Bears to clinch a playoff berth and the National Football Conference's second playoff seed. In his first playoff game, Grossman struggled to anchor the Bears’ offense, completing 17 of 41 passes for 192 yards for one touchdown and an interception in a 29–21 loss against the Carolina Panthers.

Grossman in a post-game interview in 2006

During the 2006 Chicago Bears season, Grossman became the first Bears quarterback to start all sixteen games since Erik Kramer in 1995. In a season dubbed as a "roller coaster ride" by Grossman himself, the fourth-year quarterback had several productive performances, which were seemingly diluted by a handful of turnover-ridden games. While earning a passer rating of at least 100 in seven games, he earned a sub 50 rating in five games during the latter portion of the season. Grossman, who was named as the “NFC Offensive Player of the Month” in September, concluded the season’s final month with a 64.4 passer rating, including a zero rating during the season’s finale game against the Packers. Grossman’s work ethic drew criticism, when he admitted that he was not adequately prepared to play, and later claimed the game to be "meaningless." After noticing that his words had been misinterpreted, he rationalized his statement days later. His inconsistent performance drew criticism, and calls for Smith to bench Grossman in favor of the veteran Brian Griese.

Nevertheless, Smith, who supported Grossman throughout the season, declared that Grossman would remain the Bears’ starting quarterback throughout the playoffs, causing much skepticism within the Chicago area. He temporarily silenced his critics by leading the Bears to a 27–24 victory over the Seattle Seahawks, completing 21 of 38 passes for 282 yards and one interception, fumble, and touchdown. The following week, he led the Bears to 39–14 victory over the New Orleans Saints, which allowed the Bears to claim the NFC Championship and advance to Super Bowl XLI. In the Super Bowl, Grossman completed 20 of 28 passes, including a one-yard touchdown pass. However, in this game he threw two interceptions, including one that was returned for a touchdown, and fumbled twice due to miscues between him and center Olin Kreutz. Despite additional criticism from his detractors, Grossman received the Ed Block Courage Award after the season ended. The award is awarded to one player from every team, who possesses ideal characteristics of sportsmanship, spirituality, and professionalism, and is believed to be positive role models to their community.

Before the 2007 season, Grossman vowed that he would improve his performance by simply “Unleashing the Dragon." Smith named him as the team’s starting quarterback for the 2007 season, despite inconsistent and lackluster play throughout the preseason. Grossman struggled in his first three outings of the season, and committed ten turnovers with a 45.2 passer rating. After week three, several news sources reported that Smith demoted him in favor of Brian Griese. The official announcement came the next day, when Smith announced that Griese would start in the team's next game. On November 11, 2007, Grossman reclaimed his first-string role after a shoulder injury sidelined Griese. Though Grossman only played for roughly one half, he led the Bears to a 17–6 victory over the Oakland Raiders with a 59-yard touchdown pass to Bernard Berrian.

After reclaiming his starting role, Grossman threw three touchdowns and one interception over the course of three and a half games. He sustained a knee injury during his fifth consecutive start, and was replaced once again by Griese. Grossman was forced to relinquish his starting position to Kyle Orton, who had previously temporarily relieved him after his 2005 preseason injury.

Grossman practices with the Bears in 2008 at Bourbonnais, Illinois

Grossman became an unrestricted free agent after the 2007 season, but said he wished to return to the Bears. Bears general manager Jerry Angelo said, "We would like to have Rex back in the mix." He added that Grossman will face additional competition if he returns, emphasizing the team’s need for a stable passing game. Smith had also voiced similar opinions. Grossman signed a new one-year contract with the Bears on February 23, 2008. Under terms of the deal, Grossman had a $3 million base salary. The Bears also granted Orton a contract extension and planned to have the two compete for a starting position. Having believed that Orton had bested Grossman over two games in the preseason, Coach Smith named Orton as the team's starting quarterback for the 2008 season on August 18, 2008.

Grossman remained the team's back-up quarterback until week nine when he was called to replace Orton who left the game due an ankle injury. Grossman completed nine of nineteen passes for 58 yards, including a touchdown and interception. He also scored the game's winning touchdown on a quarterback sneak. During the course of the game, Grossman was repeatedly jeered by Bears fans. After the game, Brian Urlacher defended Grossman, commenting, "We’ve got a quarterback who comes in off the bench and leads us to a victory, and they boo him right out of the gate. Poor guy. Lucky for him he’s resilient and he came back and led us to two scoring drives. But man, it’s tough." Lovie Smith named Grossman the team's starting quarterback for the Bears next contest against the Tennessee Titans. Grossman threw one touchdown and interception, and also scored a one yard rushing touchdown, en route to a 21–14 loss. Grossman received his final snaps of the season in the following week, when he was called to relieve Orton in a 37–3 loss to the Green Bay Packers.

Houston Texans

Grossman became a free agent on March 1, 2009. Bears Head Coach Lovie Smith said that Grossman was not in the team's plans for the 2009 season. During the offseason, Grossman worked out with Cincinnati Bengals in March, but was not offered a contract. UFLaccess.com reported that Grossman would be participating in drills in a United Football League "Pro Day". However, Grossman's agent, Drew Rosenhaus, denied these claims, stating that "Rex will be playing in the NFL this season. We have not considered any other leagues. He will be on a NFL roster by the start of training camps."

On June 12, Grossman came to terms with the Houston Texans and signed a one year contract, worth $620,000. Grossman beat out Dan Orlovsky during the preseason for the backup quarterback position. Grossman only played in a single game during the 2009 season, temporarily relieving Matt Schaub in a 23–18 loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars. He threw nine passes for three completions, 33 yards, and one interception.

Washington Redskins

Grossman signed a one-year contract with the Washington Redskins for the 2010 season on March 17, 2010. Grossman made his first appearance for the Redskins against the Detroit Lions on October 31, 2010, but he was sacked and lost a fumble on his first play, which was returned by Lions defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh for a touchdown.

Playing style

Grossman calls an audible after looking over the Tennessee Titans defense in 2008.

Grossman’s gunslinger attitude is illustrated in his desire to throw long passes, similar to his youth idol, Brett Favre. During the 2006 season, Grossman had an above average completion rate when throwing passes worth twenty or more yards, but struggled to complete shorter passes. According to columnist Paul Attner of Sporting News, this attitude contributed to Grossman's inconsistent play. During week twelve of the 2006 season, Grossman threw a game-ending interception while attempting a deep pass to Rashied Davis. However, during the divisional game in the 2006 playoffs, he threw a 68-yard touchdown pass to Berrian on the opening play of the Bears’ second drive.

Additionally, Grossman’s ability to elude pursuers and scramble has significantly decreased since his season ending leg injury in 2004. Although he only played three games in 2004, Grossman amassed more rushing yards than he did in sixteen games in 2006. However, he showed his potential to scramble during a game against the St. Louis Rams, after he converted a third and long with a twenty-two yard run. Though the run was the longest of Grossman’s career, it only gave him five net yards for the season at that point.

Family and personal life

Grossman's family has a long football history. His father and grandfather were football players for Indiana University. His grandfather, Rex, also played for the Baltimore Colts (1948–1950) and Detroit Lions (1950), playing in 12 games during his career. He resides in Bloomington, Indiana during the offseason with his wife Alison Miska, to whom he has been married since July 9, 2005. Grossman also has a sister and nephew who live in Lincolnwood, Illinois, and his parents are friends with Archie Manning.

Grossman has been a longtime admirer of Vikings quarterback, Brett Favre and former Bears quarterback Jim Harbaugh. Grossman was also an avid Indianapolis Colts and Indiana Pacers fan during his youth. Outside of football, he enjoys playing basketball and watching movies. Additionally, he was a regular guest on FOX News Chicago’s The Final Word, a Sunday night sports show that is co-hosted by former Bears wide receiver Tom Waddle. He also appeared on the cover of Sports Illustrated for Kids' February 2007 issue. The cover featured Grossman with teammates Devin Hester and Tommie Harris posing with bears in a museum exhibit.

Grossman has also earned several nicknames over the course of his football career. While at the University of Florida, head coach Steve Spurrier dubbed him “Sexy Rexy." The nickname earned national recognition when teammate Muhsin Muhammad used the nickname while introducing Grossman during a starting line-up segment on Monday Night Football. Grossman was also infamously known as "Rex Glassman" and "Wrecks Grossman" due to his injury-prone years. After the mid-point of the 2006 season, commentators and fans would refer to Grossman as either "Good Rex" or "Bad Rex" depending on how he performed in a game.

It was reported that Grossman absorbed a $680,000 loss on his September 2008 purchased of a 36th floor condo in the Trump International Hotel & Tower when it sold in January 2010, losing 25% of his initial investment.

On June 28, 2007, Grossman's hometown of Bloomington, Indiana declared the day "Rex Grossman Day" for his accomplishments in football and the community. For the past four years, Grossman has held a charity golfing event for the Boys and Girls Club of America, raising over $100,000 for them.

NFL career statistics

A graphic illustrating Grossman's varying quarterback rating over the 2006 season

The following is a list of Grossman's statistics from his regular and postseason games. Grossman has occasionally recorded notable statistics; among all quarterbacks during the 2006 season, Grossman ranked tenth in number of pass attempts, seventh in touchdowns thrown, and third in interceptions. He completed his first full season with a 73.9 quarterback rating. This was better than quarterback ratings of Favre, Peyton Manning, and Terry Bradshaw during their first full seasons; many other quarterbacks have performed similarly or better in their first years, including Grossman's former backup Brian Griese. His twenty-three touchdowns in one season rank Grossman among the best Bears quarterbacks in the franchise’s history. However, his twenty interceptions in one season are among the most thrown by any Bears’ quarterback in almost two decades. The unusual combination ranked Grossman as statistically the most inconsistent quarterback in almost a decade in 2006.

Regular season

				Passing										Rushing				Fumbles
Year	Team	G	GS	Cmp	Att	Cmp%	Yds	Yds/Att	Lng	TD	Int	Sck	Rate	Att	Yards	Avg	TD	Fum	Lost
2003	CHI	3	3	38	72	52.8	437	6.1	59	2	1	4	74.8	3	−1	−0.3	0	3	0
2004	CHI	3	3	47	84	56.0	607	7.2	40	1	3	5	67.9	11	48	4.4	1	2	2
2005	CHI	2	1	20	39	51.3	259	6.6	54	1	2	1	59.7	0	0	0.0	0	0	0
2006	CHI	16	16	262	480	54.6	3,193	6.7	62	23	20	21	73.9	24	2	0.1	0	8	5
2007	CHI	8	7	122	225	54.2	1,411	6.3	59	4	7	25	66.4	14	27	1.9	0	6	3
2008	CHI	4	1	32	62	51.6	257	4.1	29	2	2	2	59.7	3	4	1.3	2	0	0
2009	HOU	1	0	3	9	33.3	33	3.7	21	0	1	0	5.6	3	9	3	0	1	0
Career		37	31	524	971	54	6,197	6.4	62	33	37	58	70	58	89	1.5	3	20	10

Source, Retrieved on January 06, 2010

Postseason

Year	Team	G	Cmp	Att	Cmp%	Yds	Yds/Att	TD	Int	Rate
2005	CHI	1	17	41	41.5	192	4.7	1	1	54.1
2006	CHI	3	52	92	56.5	591	6.4	3	3	73.2
Total		4	69	133	51.9	783	5.9	4	4	67.3

See also

• 2001 College Football All-America Team
• List of Chicago Bears first-round draft picks
• List of Chicago Bears players
• List of Florida Gators football players
• List of SEC Most Valuable Players
• List of University of Florida alumni

Bibliography

• Carlson, Norm, University of Florida Football Vault: The History of the Florida Gators, Whitman Publishing, LLC, Atlanta, Georgia (2007). ISBN 0-7948-2298-3.
• Golenbock, Peter, Go Gators! An Oral History of Florida's Pursuit of Gridiron Glory, Legends Publishing, LLC, St. Petersburg, Florida (2002). ISBN 0-9650782-1-3.
• Hairston, Jack, Tales from the Gator Swamp: A Collection of the Greatest Gator Stories Ever Told, Sports Publishing, LLC, Champaign, Illinois (2002). ISBN 1-58261-514-4.

External links

• Official Houston Texans Profile