The Chicago Cardinals replaced the Slaughter for the CIFL's 2010 season. Ron Ricciardi led the team at quarterback, throwing for 14 scores and 20 picks. The Cardinals would lose all ten games by an average of 32 points. The team turned the ball over 46 times in ten games, with a turnover margin of -26. Eight Cardinals fumbles were returned for scores. The team's best quarter was the second, where they averaged 6.6 points. Shawn McKeown led the receiving corps with 32 catches for over 350 yards and 7 scores. Ricky Emery picked off five passes for the Cardinal defense. The team returned to the CIFL in 2011 as the Knights. The Knights entered the 2011 season winning three of their first four games. Ron Riccardi and Brandon Jewett quarterbacked the team. They did not combine for 1,000 yards, but threw for 17 touchdowns and 11 interceptions. The team only scored 30 offensive touchdowns in nine games. Willie Tolon led the team in receiving, with five touchdowns and 340 yards. James Chicon led the team in rushing with 75 net yards and three scores. After the three consecutive wins, the team dropped its final five games by 17 points per game. The team qualified for the playoffs and lost at Cincinnati 71-13.