Council Bluffs is celebrating a powerful piece of its community legacy, athletic excellence. The Iowa West Foundation officially unveiled the city’s first-ever Council Bluffs Professional Sports Roster, honoring 24 professional athletes with deep local roots. The permanent display, located at the Iowa West Field House, serves as a Hall of Fame–style tribute to hometown talent that has made an impact on the national and international stage. The unveiling welcomed local students, families, and community members, emphasizing that this roster isn’t just about looking back, it’s about inspiring what’s next.
A Legacy Built at Home
Spanning generations and sports, the roster recognizes athletes who went on to compete in the NFL, Major League Baseball, Major League Soccer, the Olympics, Paralympics, and more. While their careers took them far beyond southwest Iowa, their stories all start in Council Bluffs. The banners are open to the public for viewing Monday - Thursday from 2PM - 8PM and the foundation plans to add more members in future classes!
Honorees by Sport
- Major League Baseball teams including the Chicago Cubs, Kansas City Royals, New York Yankees, Chicago White Sox, Minnesota Twins, and Cincinnati Reds
- National Football League teams such as the New York Giants, Washington Redskins, Indianapolis Colts, Seattle Seahawks, Tennessee Titans, and Los Angeles Chargers
- Major League Soccer, including Inter Miami CF
- Olympic and Paralympic competition, with athletes representing the United States in wrestling, diving, and adaptive sports
- Boxing, with a world heavyweight contender
- National Women’s Baseball League
- Horse Racing, including Kentucky Derby competition
These athletes hail from across the community, with ties to Abraham Lincoln High School, Thomas Jefferson High School, Lewis Central High School, St. Albert High School, and local elementary schools — underscoring the deep roots of athletic excellence in Council Bluffs.
Visit the Display
The Council Bluffs Professional Sports Roster is now permanently on display at the Iowa West Field House, and the public is encouraged to visit. Whether you’re a sports fan, a proud alum, or a young athlete dreaming big, the roster stands as a reminder that world-class talent can come from anywhere, including right here in Council Bluffs. Plan a visit, take a moment to read the names, and celebrate the hometown pride that continues to shape our community.
