Illinois, 1966
• 1964 Academic All-America®
• 1965 Academic All-America®
Jim Grabowski was inducted into the CoSIDA Academic All-America® Hall of Fame in 1993.
Jim Grabowski, born in Chicago, Ill., played his collegiate football for the University of Illinois in the 1960’s. In his senior season he would receive many honors, including finishing third in the Heisman Trophy voting. Upon conclusion of his career Grabowski went into the Big Ten record books as the all-time leading rusher. He would later be honored as a member of the College Football Hall of Fame, the Rose Bowl Hall of Fame, and was named to the University of Illinois “All-Century” team.
The Green Bay Packers drafted Grabowski in the 1966 NFL Draft, using the ninth overall pick to acquire him. He played his first five seasons with the Packers before finishing his career with the Chicago Bears in the 1971 season. Over the longevity of his career, Grabowski rushed for 1,731 yards and reached the end zone 11 times (8 rushing, 3 receiving).
Grabowski wrapped up his career after the ’71 season and moved on to the broadcasting realm. He served as an analyst for Illinois football for nearly 30 seasons before retiring at the end of the 2006-07 season.