Are you ready for some football… drafting??? Rock Island sure is, the city that rocks is hosting the sixth round picks in this year’s NFL draft and having a hometown event for the whole family in conjunction with the kickoff. The entire community is invited to join in celebration on April 27th at the Austin E. Knowlton Athletic Complex at Augustana College. Gates Open: 12:00 pm Family Fun Zone:  Bounce houses, Games, & Goodie Bags Youth Football Skills Clinic: 12:30 PM (Sign Up for Skills Clinic) (Pre-Registration Required) Vintage Football Game:  Rock Island Independents vs.... Read More

The NFL is returning to Rock Island! Ok, well, not a team, but the draft. Sorry! Anyway, according to officials with the parks and recreation department for the city, Round 6 of the NFL draft will be held at Augustana College on April 27. Former Augustana College and NFL quarterback Ken Anderson is also said to be involved with the proceedings. Why Rock Island? One of the founding teams of the NFL in 1920, the Rock Island Independents played their games at Douglas Park. In fact, a game at Douglas Park on Sept. 26, 1920 is recognized by some NFL scholars as the first game in the history of the league.... Read More