Joey Zelinsky is getting a shot to prove he belongs at the next level.
The Cressona native and Blue Mountain grad tells Coal Region Canary that he’s received an invite to Kansas City Chiefs rookie minicamp. Chiefs minicamp runs on Friday and Saturday. On the line is a spot on the team’s 90-man roster.
Zelinsky did not hear his name called this past weekend at the 2026 NFL Draft. The University of Pittsburgh prospect previously told The Canary that there was interest in him from the Steelers. However, it was the Chiefs that came calling.
“I put the work in. I’m ready to go,” Zelinsky says, saying he plans to go “b***s to the wall every play” this weekend.
Zelinsky says he was a little disappointed that he didn’t get drafted this year but since Saturday night, he prepared himself to get a call as he did today and he’s grateful to have a chance to prove himself.
“I get an opportunity that I always wanted,” he says.
There is a coal region connection to the Chiefs. The franchise’s general manager, Brett Veach is considered one of the greatest players to ever wear a Mount Carmel Red Torandoes uniform.
READ THE FULL STORY ON ZELINSKY HERE: From Sleeping in a Jeep to the NFL Draft: The Unlikely Journey of Cressona Native Joey Zelinsky
Photo: Pitt Athletics
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