A Blue Mountain graduate and Cressona native, Joey Zelinsky, has declared himself eligible in the 2026 NFL Draft.
Zelinsky, who last season played at University of Pittsburgh, made the announcement this afternoon on his X account.
Here is his full announcement:
First and foremost, I want to thank God. Without Him, I would be nothing. This journey has been nothing short of a blessing.
To my family, thank you for always being there and supporting me through the toughest times. You are my why, and everything I do is for you.
To my JUCO family, thank you for taking me in and giving me a chance. You truly saved my life, and I will never be able to repay you for what you’ve done for me.
To Eastern Michigan and all of the coaches, thank you for believing in me and giving me the opportunity to live out my dream. I will forever be grateful for the experiences and growth you’ve given me.
A special thank you to Coach Needham — you pushed me, believed in me, and helped shape me into the man I’ve always wanted to become.
To Panther Nation, thank you for welcoming me with open arms. The memories I made in Pittsburgh will stay with me forever. I only wish I had more time.
With that being said, I will be declaring for the 2026 NFL Draft.
Zelinsky – a 6-4, 250-pound fifth-year senior – transferred to Pitt after playing in 36 games at Eastern Michigan University. He spent the 2021 season at Hudson Valley Community College before transfering to EMU.
In 2025, Zelinsky recorded 23 tackles (10 solo and 13 assisted), including a season-best 5 in a game versus Notre Dame at Acrisure Stadium on Nov. 15. He had 2 sacks in his one year for the Panthers.
Zelinsky graduated from Blue Mountain High School in 2020.
He is the second former Eagles football player to declare for the NFL Draft in as many years. Last year, the Minnesota Vikings selected Gavin Bartholomew, also a former Pitt Panther and Blue Mountain Eagle, in the sixth round of the draft.
Bartholomew was bothered by a back injury in training camp and did not make an appearance for the Vikings in the 2025 season.
Subscribe to Coal Region Canary
Get email updates from Coal Region Canary by becoming a subscriber today. Just enter your email address below to get started!Support Coal Region Canary
Like our reporting and want to support truly local news in Schuylkill County? Your small donations help. For as little as $5, your contribution will allow us to cover more news that directly affects you. Consider donating today by hitting the big yellow button below ...