Douglas Park (Rock Island)
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Douglas Park is a public park located at 18th Avenue and 10th Street in Rock Island, Illinois. A former National Football League venue, Douglas Park was the site of the first-ever National Football Le
Rock Island Independents team photo, 1919. The Independents were a charter member of the NFL in 1920. The Independents hosted the first-ever NFL game at Douglas Park on September 26, 1920.
Douglas Park, 1920. Site of the first contest with an NFL team, September 26, 1920. The football lines are visible as the Rock Island Islanders minor league team played.
The 1919 Rock Island Independents season was the last time that the team played independently, before joining the early National Football League the following year. Playing all of their games at home
Douglas Park, home of the Independents, circa 1920. Football yard lines can be seen carved in the infield grass, showing field orientation.
Halfback Jim Thorpe, one of the most famous athletes of his era, in the uniform of the Canton Bulldogs.
Rube Ursella in the uniform of the Green-and-Whites.