Chicago trucking executive John L. "Jack" Keeshin, who was also president of the National Jockey Club which owned and operated Sportsman's Park race track in Cicero, Illinois attempted to purchase the Chicago White Sox, but was turned aside.

Instead Chicago Tribune sports editor Arch Ward suggested starting a pro football team in the newly formed All-American Football Conference. Chicago already had two NFL teams and success would be unlikely unless the AAFC's Chicago Rockets could land a few stars.

The Rockets would attempt to lure Sid Luckman, George McAfee and Hugh Gallarneau away from the Chicago Bears without success. The Rockets would play their home games at the under-utilized Soldier Field, which at the time was used for various college games including the annual College All-Star Game against the defending NFL Champions.

Coached by Dick Hanley the Rockets would lose their first game to the Cleveland Browns 20-6 on September 13th at Soldier Field. Following a 17-17 tie with the New York Yankees, the Rockets earned their first win in a 38-35 shootout against the Buffalo Bisons.

The Rockets would earn a second straight win over the San Francisco 49ers, but would spend the rest of the season awash in mediocrity, finishing at the bottom of the Western's Division with a record of 5-6-3, while cycling through five coaches.