Rock Island Independents
Historical trade records for the defunct Rock Island Independents football franchise.
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Rock Island Independents
Rock Island Independents
Rock Island Independents
Rock Island Independents
Rock Island Independents
Rock Island Independents
Rock Island Independents
Chicago purchased Roddy Lamb from the Rock Island Independents in 1926 after Lamb had been one of Rock Island’s prominent 1925 backs. Contemporary league-meeting coverage says Cardinals owner Chris O’Brien paid a substantial price, though no exact figure survives. Lamb then played 23 games with 10 starts across three Cardinals seasons, giving Chicago a useful multi-year return while Rock Island received cash and soon left the NFL.
Chicago acquired tackle Ed Healey from the Rock Island Independents in 1922 for $100. Bears and Hall of Fame histories identify the transaction as an early player sale, while contemporary-account summaries describe additional terms around the payment. Whatever the precise contractual mechanics, Healey stayed with Chicago through 1927, became a perennial top lineman, and entered the Pro Football Hall of Fame, producing extraordinary value for the Bears.