The Northern Illinois Spartans youth football program is set to debut in the fall. To help with the costs to fund the program, the team raised money at Rascals Bar and Grill in Loves Park.

Spartans owner Dave Vernetti got in contact with the NFL Alumni Association to help put on the benefit. 1985 Super Bowl champion Otis Wilson, along with other former Chicago Bears and NFL players, signed autographs and took pictures with fans. Money raised on Saturday will go toward the cost of equipment, insurance, field rental and uniforms. Vernetti said it was exciting to have the guys out to support their mission.