From Gridiron to Grill | Tucson News

Tucson News Today | 2 Min Now | The Daily News Now! · Aug 4, 2026 · 2m

From gridiron to grill, former Arizona Wildcats running back Ismail Mahdi, just 23, is now a co-owner of a Dickey’s Barbecue Pit in Tucson—turning his Texas roots and relentless work ethic into a new kind of hustle. He met his business partner Manny Gomez on a podcast, and together they’re bringing that classic barbecue vibe to the desert city. Mahdi’s football intensity translates directly to his restaurant management, where he’s handling everything from staff to catering—often showing up at the joint all day, every day. Still connected to the game, he’s also coaching high school running…