Professional football in Toledo dates back to 1902, when the Toledo Athletic Association was formed, with a group of teenagers playing semi-pro football games. The Toledo Athletic Association was largely a farm team for other teams in Ohio.

As the teenagers grew into adults, the Toledo Athletic Association decided to step up and join the Ohio League, becoming the Toledo Maroons for their colored jerseys in 1906. The Ohio League would become one of the best professional leagues, with teams like the Dayton Triangles, Akron Indians, Canton Bulldogs and Columbus Panhandles being among the charter franchises in the American Professional Football Association in 1920.

The Toledo Maroons declined an opportunity to join the new league and chose to remain independent.