Dale Johnson

Dale Johnson (August 15, 1902 – April 24, 1963) was a local businessman in Rock Island, Illinois, who is best known for his role in the ownership of the Rock Island Independents of the National Football League (NFL) from 1923 until 1925.

After the 1925 season, Johnson moved the team to the rival American Football League.

Johnson felt that the AFL, which featured Red Grange, would out-perform the NFL.

He signed Elmer Layden, one of the Four Horsemen of Notre Dame.

However a lack of revenue prevented Johnson from signing and retaining many of his players.