Gene Prebola

Professional career Prebola was selected by the Houston Oilers in the 1960 American Football League draft and by the Detroit Lions in the 19th round, with the 219th overall pick, of the 1960 NFL draft. He chose to sign with the Oilers. However, on March 3, 1960, he was selected by the upstart Oakland Raiders in an allocation draft. On September 25, 1960, Prebola caught the game-deciding touchdown in the franchise's first win, a 14–13 victory over the Oilers. Prebola played in all 14 games, starting ten, for the Raiders during the team's inaugural 1960 season, catching 33 passes for 404 yards and two touchdowns.

On August 10, 1961, Prebola was traded to the Denver Broncos for Willie Smith. Prebola started all 14 games for the Broncos in 1961, recording 29 receptions for 349 yards and one touchdown, as the team went 3–11. He started all 14 games for the second consecutive season in 1962, catching 41 passes for 599 yards and one touchdown. Prebola appeared in all 14 games, starting 12, in 1963, totaling 30 catches for 471 yards and two touchdowns as the Broncos finished 2–11–1.

On March 21, 1964, Prebola, Wahoo McDaniel, Gordy Holz, and Bob Zeman were traded to the New York Jets for Dick Guesman, Ed Cooke, Charlie Janerette, Jim Price, and Sid Fournet. Prebola was cut by the Jets on September 1, 1964.

Prebola played for the Newark Bears of the Continental Football League in 1965, catching 14 passes for 189 yards and one touchdown.

Personal life Prebola and his wife Patricia lived in Sparta, New Jersey and had four children. He was a high school teacher and coach in New Jersey for 32 years. He died on December 10, 2021, in Sparta at the age of 83.