Joe Zelenka life and biography

Joseph John Zelenka is an American football long snapper for the Atlanta Falcons of the National Football League.

Originally signed as an undrafted rookie free agent by San Francisco on April 23, 1999. Was traded to Washington from San Francisco on April 17, 2000. After his one-year stint with the Redskins, was signed by Jacksonville in 2001. Released by Jacksonville and was signed by the Falcons as a free agent on December 1, 2009.

CAREER
Took over long snapping duties for Jacksonville in 2001 and competed in a team record 128 consecutive games played.

2009 (FALCONS)
Joined the Falcons on December 1, 2009 and handled all long snapping duties for the last five games of the season.

2008 (JAGUARS)
Served as the long snapper in all 16 games for the ninth consecutive season and eighth in Jacksonville. Finished the season with two assisted tackles on special teams. Competed in his 150th career game and 121st as a Jaguar at Detroit (11/9).

2007 (JAGUARS)
Saw action in all 16 games for the eighth-straight season and two playoff contests. Surpassed Bryan Barker's team record of 96 consecutive games played by appearing in his 97th-straight against Tennessee (9/9). Finished the season with one special teams tackle at Pittsburgh (12/16).

2006 (JAGUARS)
Was Jacksonville's long snapper for all 16 games for the sixth consecutive season. Finished with four special teams tackles and a team-high two solo stops against Dallas (9/10).

2005 (JAGUARS)
For the fifth-straight season, was Jacksonville's long snapper in every contest and recorded two special teams tackles.

2004 (JAGUARS)
Played in all 16 games as long snapper and recorded two special teams tackles.

2003 (JAGUARS)
Served as the long snapper in all 16 contests.

2002 (JAGUARS)
For the second-straight season with Jacksonville did not miss a game as the team's long snapper. Saw action as a tight end in a goal line offense at Cincinnati (12/15).

2001 (JAGUARS)
Handled all snapping duties and placekicks for the Jaguars after being signed by the team midway through training camp on August 13. Made a career-high five special teams tackles and saw limited action in two games.

2000 (REDSKINS)
Competed in all 16 games for the first time in his career, totaling 138 snaps for the Redskins. Made four special teams tackles.

1999 (49ERS)
Saw action in 13 games for San Francisco as the long snapper. Recovered a muffed punt at Arizona (9/27).

COLLEGE
Was a four-year letterman at Wake Forest and totaled 25 career receptions for 217 yards as a tight end. Saw extensive playing time on special teams as a long snapper.

PERSONAL
Attended Cleveland Benedictine High School and competed in six different positions in his tenure. Earned second-team all-state honors as a senior and received the Coaches Award for overall effort. Married to Rebekah and the two have twins, Benjamin and Grace.

Read more