Feltner exemplifies what Semi-pro Football is all about
March 1, 2007
Rob will be entering his 6th and final season as a semi-pro player, and he has seen first hand how semi-pro football has changed over the years. "I believe it is going in the right direction for the future" Feltner said. Feltner's semi-pro career started when Brian Kelly talked him into playing for the Rockford Lions in 2002, that season was a learning experience for the both of them.
After learning many valuable lessons they decided to start their own team called the Roscoe Rush and have grown to be a well respected team through out the Semi-pro community. "Many teams start up, but very few ever finish the season". Feltner says, "We are now entering our 5th season as an organization and I think we've done a good job."
Feltner started playing football when he was 8 years old, and have played every year since, (he will be 29 in March). Feltner said "I had the opportunity to play for a great coach Vern Pottinger throughout my high school career at Belvidere (IL)." He later moved on to play his college ball at Rock Valley College where he met some of his closest friends. Feltner currently co-owns the Roscoe Rush and plays wide receiver on the team.
Feltner went on to tell the IFL insider this statement, "Football means so much to me. When I'm out there, it's everything. It's something you have to commit to, almost like a marriage, or it's just not worth it." It's this kind of dedication that has helped make the Roscoe Rush a respectable organization and made Chris Chudada of the Ironman Football League come knocking on their door.
"After going to a couple of their games and seeing first hand how professional they run their organization, I turned and said to a friend that this team belongs in the Ironman Football League" Chudada said.
Chudada and his partner Pete Narrai than sat down and talked with Rob and Brian Kelly. After the meeting Brian & Rob happily found a new home in the Ironman Football League. "Talking and getting to know Rob really makes me feel great" League Owner/CEO Chris Chudada said. "His passion and love for the game is why I created the league in the first place." Chudada Says.
Feltner admits that he has never been a fast player and he's not built like a typical receiver, so he turns all the comments about his size in to motivation. "Those comments and the Love of the Game is what keep's me going every year." Feltner said, "Semi-Pro football has given me that opportunity to keep playing the game we all love." Every year he has the same goals: to help his team as much as possible to win, and to win a championship.
Feltner's most memorable moments in his semi-pro career included winning a league championship in 2004, and being selected as 2ND Team All-MSFL Wide Receiver in 2005.