Joe Novsek
Joseph John Novsek II was an American professional football player who was a defensive lineman for one season with the Oakland Raiders of the American Football League. He played college football for the Tulsa Golden Hurricane.
Joe Novsek was born on May 29, 1939, in Cardale, Pennsylvania. He attended Redstone High School near there, graduating in c. 1958. After his high school career, Novsek accepted a scholarship offer from The University of Tulsa in Oklahoma. Upon joining the school, he immediately made the team roster. As a sophomore in 1959, he was named second-team all-conference at the [Tackle (gridiron American football|football position)|tackle] position. He was named co-team captain to start his junior year. As a senior in 1961, he was named first-team all-conference by Associated Press.
Professional career
Novsek was selected in both the 1961 NFL draft and 1961 AFL draft, but chose to finish his collegiate career. At the end of the 1961 college football season, Novsek chose the Raiders in the AFL over the NFL's Colts. He was used by the Raiders on each position of the defensive line, and appeared in all fourteen games of the 1962 season. He was a starter in two of their games. He was named to the AFL's All-Rookie team at the end of the season. He was released at roster cuts in August 1963. He was signed by the Baltimore Colts, who drafted him two years prior, in. Novsek was released at the 1964 roster cuts, ending his professional career.
Death
Novsek died on April 24, 2023, at the age of 83.