Joe Zombek

Joseph A. Zombek (December 24, 1932 – January 13, 1996) was an

Early life and education

Zombek was born on December 24, 1932, in Carnegie, Pennsylvania. He attended Clark High School in Scott Township, and was an all-state performer in football as a senior in 1949.^[1][2] He enrolled at the University of Pittsburgh in 1950, where he was a three-year letterman in football. He majored in geography.^[3]

A profile of Zombek in The Pittsburgh Press wrote of him: "A happy-go-lucky lad who likes to tinker with cars in his spare time, he permits no friendships once he takes the field. His charge makes up for lack of heft. He tips the scale at 185 and is a deadly tackler."^[2]

Professional career

After finishing his senior season of college, Zombek was drafted by the

Zombek was the final player released in roster cuts. Coach Walt Kiesling said that the final cut had come down to either Zombek or Ernie Cheatham, and kept Cheatham. After receiving film of Zombek the next day, Kielsing "knew he had cut the wrong man."^[5] "We had to cut by Tuesday," said coach Kiesling, "and we made a cut in the blind. When we saw the movies we realized we made a mistake."^[5] However, due to league rules, he was not eligible to be re-signed until 30 days after the release.^[5] After an injury to Bill McPeak, Zombek came back to the team for their game with the Philadelphia Eagles.^[5]

Zombek finished the season having played in eight games, one as a starter.

Zombek later was a salesman and manager at Jessop Steel Co. from 1956 to 1967, and was the owner of the Cherry Hills Inn and Resort in McDonald, Pennsylvania, from 1964 to until at least 1987.^[1]

Zombek was inducted into the Western Chapter of Pennsylvania Sports Hall of Fame in 1987.^[1]

References