Owned by Ole Haugsrud and sponsored by a local hardware store, the Duluth Kelleys were the NFL's northern most franchise. This created a disadvantage for the team before it ever played a game, as harsh winters limited their schedule and forced them to play most games on the road.

The Kellys would earn a win in their first game at Duluth Athletic Park, beating the Akron Pros on September 30th. A week later in their first game against their rivals from the Twin Cities, the Kelleys blanked the Minneapolis Marines 10-0 for their first road win.

The Kelleys coached by Joey Sternaman would eventually win their first four games, including a second win against the Marines in Duluth. However, once November arrived the Kellys would face a tough road, losing their final three games all away from Duluth as they posted a record of 4-3.