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The 1921 Rock Island Independents season was their second completed in the young American Professional Football Association (APFA), later rechristened the National Football League. The team failed to improve on their previous record against league opponents of 6–2–2, winning only four games. They finished fifth in the league.

The team was broadly supported by the community of Rock Island, Illinois. For away games the local newspaper, the Rock Island Argus, put up a large gridboard outside its offices and kept up with the game by direct wire, marking the position of the ball on the board. Large crowds were attracted to follow the action, with more than 2,000 people blocking Second Avenue to follow the progress of the Green Bay Packers game on October 30.

Schedule

Standings

Note: Tie games were not officially counted in the standings until 1972.

Roster

References

1. 1921 Rock Island Independents
2. 1921 Rock Island Independents (APFA)
3. ^ "Weather Fails to Keep Down Crowd of Fans: Even Larger Throng Than Week Ago Packed Second Avenue to See Game on Argus Board," Rock Island Argus, Oct. 31, 1921, p. 17.
4. J.L. Hughes, "Independents Held to Even Terms: Great Defense Saves Detroit from a Defeat," Rock Island Argus, Oct. 3, 1921, p. 12.
5. Howard V. Millard, "Staleys Meet Islanders in Great Pro Game Today: Two of Strongest Professional Elevens in Country Clash at 3 O'Clock — Both Sides Optimisitic," Decatur Herald, Oct. 10, 1921, p. 4.
6. "Starchworkers Win 14–10 Over Rock Island Team: 4,000 See Staleys Trim Rock Island in Thrilling Tilt," Decatur Herald, Oct. 11, 1921, p. 4.
7. J.L. Hughes, "Independents' Line Forces Victory: Own Misplays Beat Detroit, by 14–0 Score," Rock Island Argus, Oct. 24, 1921, p. 10.
8. Sports editor J.L. Hughes of the Rock Island Argus estimated the size of this crowd at 5,000.
9. Cal, "Rock Island Takes Fall Out of Packers, 13 to 3: Independents Break Down Packers' Offense; Lambeau Scores with Field Goal," Green Bay Press-Gazette, Oct. 31, 1921, p. 10.
10. J.L. Hughes, "Independents Beat Packers, 13–3: Wet Field and Slippery Ball Stops Scoring," Rock Island Argus, Oct. 31, 1921, p. 17.
11. "Rock Island Pros Triumph Over Green Bay Packers in Hard Battle: Islanders Use Line Bucks to Beat Badgers," Davenport Democrat and Leader, Oct. 31, 1921, p. 7.
12. J.L. Hughes, "Victory is Snatched from Defeat: Passes Carry Ball 85 Yards in Late Rally," Rock Island Argus, Nov. 7, 1921, p. 14.
13. "Staleys Trounce Rock Island 3–0 in Hard Fought Game: 6,000 Fans Brave Snow to See Fierce Tilt in Rain-Soaked Field," Decatur Herald, Nov. 14, 1921, p. 4.
14. J.L. Hughes, "Field Goal Wins for Staley Crew: Independents Are Defeated by Sternaman," Rock Island Argus, Nov. 14, 1921, p. 12.
15. J.L. Hughes, "Mud Battle Won by Independents: Duluth Takes First Defeat of Year, 29–0," Rock Island Argus, Nov. 14, 1921, p. 14.
16. "Independents Crush Duluth Eleven, 28 to 0, on a Sloppy Girdiron: Northern Team No Match for Local Eleven," Davenport Democrat and Leader, Nov. 21, 1921, p. 7.

• Rock Island Independents seasons
• 1921 American Professional Football Association season by team
• 1921 in sports in Illinois