Ernie Zalejski

Ernest Raymond Zalejski (November 23, 1925 – August 5, 2012) was an American professional football back who played one season with the Baltimore Colts of the National Football League (NFL). He was selected by the Chicago Bears in the fifth round of the 1950 NFL draft after playing college football at the University of Notre Dame.

Early life Zalejski played high school football at Washington High School in South Bend, Indiana, earning all-state honors three times from 1942 to 1944. He was named Most Valuable Player of the North Indiana Conference in 1944. He also won two state championships in 1943 and 1944.

Military career Zalejski joined the United States Army after graduating from high school in 1945. He served in the Philippines and was in the U.S. occupation force in Japan. He was then shortly stationed in Seattle before being discharged and enrolling at the University of Notre Dame.

College career Zalejski played for the Notre Dame Fighting Irish from 1946 to 1949. The Fighting Irish won 39 games and were undefeated during his time there. They were also national champions in 1946, 1947 and 1949. Zalejski was named to the Blue Gray All Star Game in 1949. He officially signed with the team on June 29, 1950.

On September 9, 1950, Zalejski, George Blanda, Bob Perina, Tank Crawford, and Bob Jensen were traded to the Baltimore Colts for Dick Barwegan. Zalejski played in eleven games for the Colts during the 1950 season.

Zalejski signed with the Washington Redskins in 1951. He was also area manager of the U.S. Saving Bonds Division of the U.S. Treasury Department.