The Quad City Steamwheelers joined the IFL in 2019. EJ Hilliard quarterbacked the squad, throwing for nearly 3,000 yards and 60 touchdowns. Quinton Pedroza led all receivers. The team missed the playoffs. Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic of 2020, the team was able to get one game played and won in Cedar Rapids. The franchise skipped the 2021 season due to arena attendance restrictions but did return for 2022. Quad City wa led by quarterback and veteran indoor football player E.J. Hilliard in the 2022 season. He threw for 1,687 yards, 31 touchdowns and nine picks. His top targets were Mike Garrigan(52-688-15) and Keyvan Rudd(49-683-12). Hilliard ran for 611 yards and an additional 23 touchdowns. The Steamwheelers put up a 9-7 regular season record in a strong conference, earning the last playoff berth. After falling in the regular season to Massachusetts, Quad City was able to take a late 37-25 lead and hang on for a 39-38 victory on the road. This earned them a semifinal berth at Frisco, a team they had also been unable to beat in the regular season. Quad City won a thriller late, 48-41 and would advance to the IFL championship game in Las Vegas against Northern Arizona. After trailing big most of the night, Quad City did cut the deficit late, but ultimately fell to the Wranglers, 47-45. Hilliard returned to the Steamwheelers in 2023, throwing for 2,334 yards, 49 touchdowns and 11 picks. Additionally, he scored 28 times on the ground. Keyvan Rudd was again the top target, catching 15 touchdowns and racking up 656 yards on 54 receptions. Darreon Jackson stood out on defense, picking eight passes. Quad City had a middling season, going 9-6 and had a chance to knock Sioux Falls out of the playoff picture. However, on the final regular season night, they fell to Tulsa 56-35 and would then drop a first round playoff game in Frisco 57-29.