Troy Pelshak facts for kids

Zenret Troy Pelshak, born on March 6, 1977, in Nigeria, is a former professional American football player. He played as a linebacker in the National Football League (NFL). Troy was part of the St. Louis Rams and Jacksonville Jaguars teams. He also played college football for North Carolina A&T State University. A major achievement in his career was winning Super Bowl XXXIV with the St. Louis Rams.

Early Life and College Football Journey

Troy Pelshak was born in Nigeria on March 6, 1977. He grew up in both Oklahoma and North Carolina. He went to Garinger High School in Charlotte, North Carolina.

Playing for the North Carolina A&T Aggies

From 1995 to 1998, Pelshak played college football. He was a player for the North Carolina A&T Aggies. This team is part of North Carolina A&T State University. In 2014, Troy was honored for his achievements. He was inducted into North Carolina A&T's athletics hall of fame.

Troy Pelshak's Professional Football Career

Troy Pelshak began his professional football journey in 1999. He signed with the St. Louis Rams on April 20, 1999. This happened after he was not chosen in the 1999 NFL draft.

Time with the St. Louis Rams

During the 1999 season, Pelshak played in nine games for the Rams. He made six solo tackles. On January 30, 2000, his team, the Rams, won Super Bowl XXXIV. They beat the Tennessee Titans in this big game. The Rams released him on August 22, 2000.

Pelshak returned to the Rams later that year. He signed with them again on September 5, 2000. He played in three more games for the Rams. He recorded one solo tackle and one assisted tackle. He was released again on October 4, 2000.

Playing for Other NFL Teams

Troy Pelshak was briefly with the Minnesota Vikings. They picked him up on August 23, 2000. However, he was released just a few days later, on August 27, 2000.

He then signed with the Jacksonville Jaguars on December 4, 2000. He played in one game for the Jaguars during the 2000 season. In that game, he made one solo tackle.

Experience in NFL Europe

In February 2001, Troy Pelshak was sent to NFL Europe. He played for the Barcelona Dragons. During the 2001 NFL Europe season, he played in ten games. He started nine of those games. He made 16 defensive tackles and 13 special teams tackles. He also forced one fumble. The Barcelona Dragons had a great season with an 8–2 record. They reached World Bowl IX but lost to the Berlin Thunder.

Pelshak continued with the Dragons in 2002. He started all ten games that year. He recorded 26 defensive tackles. He also had one special teams tackle, one interception, and two pass breakups. The team finished the 2002 season with a 2–8 record.

Playing in the Arena Football League

After his time in NFL Europe, Pelshak moved to the Arena Football League (AFL). He signed with the Carolina Cobras on November 5, 2003.

With the Carolina Cobras

He played in eight games for the Cobras during the 2004 AFL season. He made eight solo tackles and six assisted tackles. He also had two sacks, one fumble recovery, and one pass breakup. He was placed on injured reserve on May 10, 2004.

With the Columbus Destroyers

Pelshak signed with the Columbus Destroyers of the AFL on January 5, 2005. He played in nine games for the Destroyers that year. He had six solo tackles, two assisted tackles, and one sack. He was released by the team on November 28, 2005.

With the New York Dragons

The New York Dragons picked him up on November 29, 2005. He re-signed with them on January 2, 2006. He played in one game for New York during the 2006 season.

Life After Football

After his football career, Troy Pelshak became involved in community leadership. He later served as the Chairman of the Charlotte International Cabinet.