James David Melka (born January 15, 1962) is an American former professional football player who was a linebacker in the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Wisconsin Badgers.

Biography

Melka was born on January 15, 1962, in West Allis, Wisconsin.^[1] He attended West Allis Central High School where he was an All-America running back.^[2]

Football career

Melka played at the collegiate level at the University of Wisconsin-Madison and was named to the All-Big Ten team twice.^[2] He was selected in the twelfth round of the 1985 NFL draft by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers but broke his navicular bone in his wrist playing in a pickup basketball game.^[3][4] He was placed on waivers on August 19, 1985,^[5] and would later go on to be a member of the Green Bay Packers.^[6]

References