CHICAGO, Ill. - Chicago State Football is celebrating a major milestone as Head Coach Bobby Rome II completes his first year at the helm of the program. Tasked with building Cougar Football from the ground up, Coach Rome has embraced the challenge with energy, vision, and an unwavering commitment to establishing a strong foundation for the program's future.
Over the past year, Coach Rome has led several key initiatives that have shaped the identity and direction of Chicago State Football:
- Built the program's first-ever coaching staff, assembling a group of leaders who share his passion and philosophy.
- Recruited and signed the inaugural signing-day class, bringing in the first wave of student-athletes who will represent the Cougars on the field.
- Oversaw the arrival and enrollment of the current football student-athletes, ensuring they were successfully integrated on campus and prepared academically.
- Directed and supervised organized team activities, helping establish the culture, expectations, and daily standards of the program.
- Engaged with the Chicago community, attending numerous events across the city to build relationships and connect the program with its home.
- Spearheaded fundraising efforts to support the launch and long-term success of the football program.
- Raised awareness through extensive media outreach, participating in interviews and appearances that introduced Chicago State Football to a national audience.
Reflecting on his first year, Coach Rome shared:
"This first year has been about building the foundation the right way. From assembling our staff to bringing in our first class of student-athletes, every step has been focused on creating a program the Chicago State community can be proud of. We're just getting started, and the future is bright."
— Head Coach Bobby Rome II
Coach Rome's first year has been defined by momentum, visibility, and the hard work required to build a Division I football program from the ground up. His leadership has positioned Chicago State Football for continued growth as the Cougars move closer to their inaugural season.
The foundation is set and under Coach Rome's direction, the future of Chicago State Football is taking shape.
