Jay Novacek - 1985

Tight end, world-champion Dallas Cowboys football team

Jay Novacek was a two-sport athlete at UW, playing tight end on the football team and competing in the decathlon and pole vaulting events for the track and field team. He received All-American football honors in 1984, setting an NCAA record for receiving yards per reception by a tight end. He was also an All-American in track and field in 1984, winning the Western Athletic Conference decathlon championship. He set UW records for decathlon points (7,615) and in the pole vault (16'4").

From UW, Novacek went on to have an illustrious NFL career, winning three Super Bowls with the Dallas Cowboys in the early 1990s. He was invited to the Pro Bowl five times and was selected NFL Tight End of the Year in 1993.

He was also inducted into UW Athletics Hall of Fame in 1993.

Novacek retired from the NFL in 1997 and currently resides at his Upper 84 Ranch in Brady, Nebraska, where he guides personal hunting trips for visitors. He also runs the Jay Novacek Football Camp for Kids in several states each year. Professional football players coach at each of the camps. 

Photo courtesy of footballcamps.com and UW Photo Service