12 Facts About Walter Flanigan

Walter Harrison Flanigan was an American football player and owner of the Rock Island Independents.

Walter Flanigan was one of the co-founders of the National Football League.

Walter Flanigan then became the manager of the team in 1915.

Walter Flanigan soon promoted the Independents by scheduling two games in 1917 against the Minneapolis Marines, who were the self-proclaimed "North West Pro Champs".

However once the war ended, Walter Flanigan brought in players from outside the Rock Island area to build on the team.

Walter Flanigan then challenged the Canton Bulldogs to a "championship" game, offering a $5,000 guarantee if they would come to Rock Island for the game.

In 1920, Walter Flanigan eagerly joined, and helped found, the new American Professional Football Association.

Walter Flanigan was present at the September 17,1920 meeting at Ralph Hay's Hupmobile dealership, located in Canton, Ohio which established the league and made the Independents a charter member of the NFL.

Walter Flanigan then ordered the team's tackle, Ed Healey relieve Coughlin.

In 1922, Walter Flanigan sold the contract of Ed Healey, who was viewed as an erratic tackle who never would mature, to Halas for $200.

In 1923, Walter Flanigan left the Independents to concentrate on his real estate and insurance businesses.

In 1917 Walter Flanigan worked as a desk sergeant with the Rock Island Police Department.