{{Short description|American football player (born 1938)}} {{good article}} {{Use mdy dates|date=June 2024}} {{Infobox gridiron football biography | name = Frank Mestnik | number = 36, 35, 48 | position = Fullback | birth_date = {{Birth date|1938|2|23|mf=y}} | birth_place = Cleveland, Ohio, U.S. | death_date = {{death date and age|2023|1|24|1938|2|23|mf=y}} | death_place = Alpharetta, Georgia, U.S. | height_ft = 6 | height_in = 2 | weight_lb = 200 | high_school = Maple Heights (OH) | college = Marquette (1956–1959) | afldraftyear = 1960 | draftyear = 1960 | draftround = 15 | draftpick = 170 | pastteams = * St. Louis Cardinals ({{NFL Year|1960|1962}}) * New York Giants (1962)* * Green Bay Packers ({{NFL Year|1963|1964}}) * Minnesota Vikings ({{NFL Year|1965}})* * Newark Bears (1965) * Chicago Bears ({{NFL Year|1966}})* | statlabel1 = Rushing yards | statvalue1 = 767 | statlabel2 = Rushing average | statvalue2 = 3.8 | statlabel3 = Receptions | statvalue3 = 15 | statlabel4 = Receiving yards | statvalue4 = 53 | statlabel5 = Total touchdowns | statvalue5 = 5 | pfr = MestFr00 }}
'''Frank Gerald Mestnik''' (February 23, 1938 – January 24, 2023) was an American professional football fullback in the National Football League (NFL) for the St. Louis Cardinals and the Green Bay Packers. He played college football at Marquette University in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. After graduation, he was selected by the Cardinals in the 15th round (170th overall) of the 1960 NFL draft. He also had stints in the NFL with the New York Giants, Minnesota Vikings and Chicago Bears, but saw no playing time with them. Mestnik additionally spent a year with the Newark Bears of the Continental Football League (COFL).
==Early life== Mestnik was born on February 23, 1938, in Cleveland, Ohio.<ref name="auto7">{{Cite web|url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/M/MestFr00.htm|website=Pro-Football-Reference.com|title=Frank Mestnik Stats|access-date=2023-10-21|archive-date=2023-04-04|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230404220343/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/M/MestFr00.htm|url-status=live}}</ref> He attended Maple Heights High School in Maple Heights, Ohio, and was the first of two of their alumni (along with Richard Quinn) to play in the NFL.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/schools/high_schools.cgi?id=93bebc69|website=Pro-Football-Reference.com|title=Maple Heights (Maple Heights, OH) Alumni Pro Stats|access-date=2023-10-21|archive-date=2023-04-06|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230406030749/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/schools/high_schools.cgi?id=93bebc69|url-status=live}}</ref> He was a multi-sport athlete and received a full athletic scholarship to play football at Marquette University in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.<ref name="auto4">{{Cite web|url=https://www.mcdonaldandson.com/obituary/Frank-Mestnik|website=McDonald & Son Funeral Home & Crematory|title=Obituary for Frank Gerald Mestnik|date=February 7, 2023|access-date=October 21, 2023|archive-date=October 22, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231022205028/https://www.mcdonaldandson.com/obituary/Frank-Mestnik|url-status=live}}</ref>
==College career== Mestnik began attending Marquette University in 1956 but did not play for their football team until his sophomore year in 1957.<ref name="auto3">{{Cite web|url=https://www.profootballarchives.com/playerm/mest00200.html|website=Pro Football Archives|title=Frank Mestnik Stats|access-date=2023-10-21|archive-date=2023-10-23|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231023025403/https://www.profootballarchives.com/playerm/mest00200.html|url-status=live}}</ref> He quickly became a starter at fullback and was one of the top players for the team that went 0–10 and ranked 110th out of 112th major colleges.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/tucson-daily-citizen/133825734/|newspaper=Tucson Daily Citizen|via=Newspapers.com|date=November 23, 1957|page=4|title=Tonight's Lineups At Varsity Stadium|access-date=October 21, 2023|archive-date=October 22, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231022205022/https://www.newspapers.com/article/tucson-daily-citizen/133825734/|url-status=live}} {{Open access}}</ref><ref name="auto6">{{Cite web|url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/marquette/1957.html|website=Sports Reference|title=1957 Marquette Golden Eagles Stats|access-date=2023-10-21|archive-date=2023-10-23|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231023025403/https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/marquette/1957.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Mestnik also played defense, with the ''Arizona Daily Star'' noting that he was "rated the top offensive and defense star" for Marquette.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/arizona-daily-star/133825903/|newspaper=Arizona Daily Star|via=Newspapers.com|date=August 18, 1957|page=21|title=Downtrodden Warriors Face Toughest Slate|author=Chanin, Abe|access-date=October 21, 2023|archive-date=October 22, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231022234938/https://www.newspapers.com/article/arizona-daily-star/133825903/|url-status=live}} {{Open access}}</ref> He finished the 1957 season as the team's leading rusher with 81 carries for 328 yards (a 4.0 average); he also attempted one pass, which was caught for a loss of one yard.<ref name="auto6"/>
Marquette compiled a record of 2–7–1 in 1958, with Mestnik leading their other running backs by over 300 yards rushing; he compiled 480 rushing yards and one touchdown on 130 attempts while also having one reception for seven yards.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/marquette/1958.html|website=Sports Reference|title=1958 Marquette Golden Eagles Stats|access-date=2023-10-21|archive-date=2023-06-16|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230616072702/https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/marquette/1958.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="auto1">{{Cite web|url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/players/frank-mestnik-1.html?__hstc=223721476.819c05d944def9eab3c88c0eb4cb0689.1697386440947.1697908944311.1697911340396.40&__hssc=223721476.3.1697911340396&__hsfp=2673325787|website=Sports Reference|title=Frank Mestnik College Stats|access-date=2023-10-21|archive-date=2023-10-22|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231022205023/https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/players/frank-mestnik-1.html?__hstc=223721476.819c05d944def9eab3c88c0eb4cb0689.1697386440947.1697908944311.1697911340396.40&__hssc=223721476.3.1697911340396&__hsfp=2673325787|url-status=live}}</ref> His 130 rushes placed fifth among major independent schools and set a new school record, breaking the previous record of 128 by Johnny Strzykalski.<ref name="auto1"/><ref name="auto5">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-journal-times/133826269/|newspaper=The Journal Times|via=Newspapers.com|agency=Associated Press|title=Warriors Pick Frank Mestnik|date=December 11, 1958|page=33|access-date=October 21, 2023|archive-date=October 22, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231022205831/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-journal-times/133826269/|url-status=live}} {{Open access}}</ref> For his performance, he was selected Marquette's most valuable player and was given the Alpha Kappa Memorial Trophy.<ref name="auto5"/>
Mestnik was second to Jim Webster in rushing for Marquette in 1959, as the team finished with a record of 3–7.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/marquette/1959.html|website=Sports Reference|title=1959 Marquette Golden Eagles Stats|access-date=2023-10-21|archive-date=2023-04-29|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230429231604/https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/marquette/1959.html|url-status=live}}</ref> He totaled 97 rush attempts for 339 yards (a 3.5 average) and six touchdowns while also catching eight passes for 78 yards.<ref name="auto1"/> He ranked fifth among major independents for rushing touchdowns and ninth in touchdowns overall.<ref name="auto1"/> Mestnik finished his collegiate career with 308 rushes for 1,147 yards (a 3.7 average) and seven touchdowns along with nine catches for 85 yards.<ref name="auto1"/> He played in the Chicago College All-Star Game in 1960 against the NFL champion Baltimore Colts, a 32–7 win for the Colts.<ref name="auto2">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-news-herald/133828038/|newspaper=News-Herald|via=Newspapers.com|date=July 3, 1963|page=14|title=3 ex-athletes now managing Willo-Shore Driving Range|access-date=October 21, 2023|archive-date=October 22, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231022210050/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-news-herald/133828038/|url-status=live}} {{Open access}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/porterville-recorder/134369665/|newspaper=Porterville Recorder|via=Newspapers.com|date=August 13, 1960|page=3|agency=United Press International|title=Colts Trample All-Stars, 32-7}} {{Open access}}</ref>
==Professional career== Mestnik was among the first selections in the 1960 AFL draft by the Boston Patriots and was also chosen in the 15th round (170th overall) of the 1960 NFL draft by the St. Louis Cardinals.<ref name="auto3"/> He ultimately signed to play with the Cardinals.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/arizona-republic/133826961/|newspaper=Arizona Republic|via=Newspapers.com|date=January 20, 1960|page=44|agency=Associated Press|title=3 Marquette Stars In NFL|access-date=October 21, 2023|archive-date=October 22, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231022205120/https://www.newspapers.com/article/arizona-republic/133826961/|url-status=live}} {{Open access}}</ref> He scored two touchdowns with St. Louis in a preseason game against the Baltimore Colts.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/st-louis-globe-democrat/133827128/|newspaper=St. Louis Globe-Democrat|via=Newspapers.com|date=August 28, 1960|page=38|author=Pollack, Joe|title=Mestnik Gets 2 Touchdowns In 31-21 Duel|access-date=October 21, 2023|archive-date=October 22, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231022210053/https://www.newspapers.com/article/st-louis-globe-democrat/133827128/|url-status=live}} {{Open access}}</ref> He made the Cardinals' roster and appeared in nine games, four to five as a starter,{{efn|Pro-Football-Reference.com and Pro Football Archives conflict.<ref name="auto7"/><ref name="auto">{{Cite web|url=https://www.profootballarchives.com/1960nflstl.html|website=Pro Football Archives|title=1960 St. Louis Cardinals (NFL)|access-date=2023-10-21|archive-date=2023-10-23|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231023025403/https://www.profootballarchives.com/1960nflstl.html|url-status=live}}</ref>}} as a rookie. He was their second-leading rusher and fifth-leading point scorer with 104 carries for 429 yards (a 4.1 average) and three touchdowns. He also caught three passes for 24 yards and returned three kickoffs for 39 yards as St. Louis went 6–5–1.<ref name="auto7"/><ref name="auto"/> In 1961, Mestnik was the second back behind Prentice Gautt, starting five to seven games while appearing in a total of 13,{{efn|Sources conflict.}} as the Cardinals went 7–7.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.profootballarchives.com/1961nflstl.html|website=Pro Football Archives|title=1961 St. Louis Cardinals (NFL)|access-date=2023-10-21|archive-date=2023-10-22|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231022205027/https://www.profootballarchives.com/1961nflstl.html|url-status=live}}</ref> He recorded 95 rushes for 334 yards (a 3.5 average) and scored a touchdown while also catching 12 passes for 29 yards and another touchdown; Mestnik had two kickoff returns for 27 yards as well.<ref name="auto7"/> He was third in rushing for the Cardinals in the 1962 preseason but was released during roster cuts.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/st-louis-post-dispatch/133827860/|newspaper=St. Louis Post-Dispatch|via=Newspapers.com|date=September 5, 1962|page=37|title=Big Red Chops Five, Reduces Squad to 38, Two Over Final Limit|author=Morrison, Robert|access-date=October 21, 2023|archive-date=October 22, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231022210646/https://www.newspapers.com/article/st-louis-post-dispatch/133827860/|url-status=live}} {{Open access}}</ref>
After being released by the Cardinals, Mestnik spent time with the taxi squad of the New York Giants in the 1962 season.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-post-crescent/133828376/|newspaper=The Post-Crescent|via=Newspapers.com|date=August 16, 1963|page=4|title=Packers Ready for Clash With Dallas|author=Daley, Art|access-date=October 21, 2023|archive-date=October 22, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231022231725/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-post-crescent/133828376/|url-status=live}} {{Open access}}</ref> While out of football in the 1963 offseason, Mestnik worked as a sales engineer trainee at Reliance Electric and co-managed a driving range with his uncle Hank, a former minor league baseball player, and Joe Sedely, a boxer.<ref name="auto2"/> He then signed with the Green Bay Packers for the 1963 season but was released at the start of September during roster cuts.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/chicago-tribune/133828625/|newspaper=Chicago Tribune|via=Newspapers.com|date=September 4, 1963|page=48|title=Packers Deal Ed Blaine To Philadelphia|access-date=October 21, 2023|archive-date=October 22, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231022231724/https://www.newspapers.com/article/chicago-tribune/133828625/|url-status=live}} {{Open access}}</ref> He later returned to Green Bay the following month.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/green-bay-press-gazette/133828744/|newspaper=Green Bay Press-Gazette|via=Newspapers.com|date=October 4, 1963|page=13|title=Packers Add Mestnik, Put Barrett on Waivers|author=Daley, Art|access-date=October 21, 2023|archive-date=October 22, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231022205023/https://www.newspapers.com/article/green-bay-press-gazette/133828744/|url-status=live}} {{Open access}}</ref> He appeared in 11 games for the Packers in the 1963 season and ran the ball once for four yards, additionally returning one kickoff for no gain.<ref name="auto7"/> He was released at the final roster cuts in 1964.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/wausau-daily-herald/133828909/|newspaper=Wausau Daily Herald|via=Newspapers.com|date=September 10, 1964|page=31|title=Frank Mestnik Cut by Packers|agency=Associated Press|access-date=October 21, 2023|archive-date=October 22, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231022221646/https://www.newspapers.com/article/wausau-daily-herald/133828909/|url-status=live}} {{Open access}}</ref>
Mestnik signed with the Minnesota Vikings for the 1965 season; however, he was injured and released when he refused to sign a waiver of liability form.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/star-tribune/133829117/|newspaper=Star Tribune|via=Newspapers.com|date=July 24, 1965|page=13|title=Vikings Release Ted Dean|author=Netland, Dwayne|access-date=October 21, 2023|archive-date=October 22, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231022211523/https://www.newspapers.com/article/star-tribune/133829117/|url-status=live}} {{Open access}}</ref> He then spent the year with the Newark Bears of the minor Continental Football League (COFL), rushing 10 times for 45 yards (a 4.5 average) with one catch for 10 yards as the Bears went 5–9.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.profootballarchives.com/1965coflnew.html|website=Pro Football Archives|title=1965 Newark Bears (COFL)|access-date=2023-10-21|archive-date=2023-10-22|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231022205027/https://www.profootballarchives.com/1965coflnew.html|url-status=live}}</ref> He had a final comeback attempt with the Chicago Bears in 1966, but was unable to make the final roster.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/chicago-tribune/133829370/|newspaper=Chicago Tribune|via=Newspapers.com|date=August 31, 1966|page=53|title=Bears Seek Waivers on Rakestraw|access-date=October 21, 2023|archive-date=October 22, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231022205027/https://www.newspapers.com/article/chicago-tribune/133829370/|url-status=live}} {{Open access}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.profootballarchives.com/transactionsm/mest00200.html|website=Pro Football Archives|title=Frank Mestnik NFL Transactions|access-date=2023-10-21|archive-date=2023-10-22|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231022205022/https://www.profootballarchives.com/transactionsm/mest00200.html|url-status=live}}</ref> He ended his NFL career with 200 rush attempts for 767 yards (a 3.8 average) and four touchdowns, 15 receptions for 53 yards and one touchdown, and six kickoff returns for 66 yards in 33 games.<ref name="auto7"/>
==Later life== Mestnik later lived in Alpharetta, Georgia.<ref name="auto4"/> He worked for Reliance Electric and Franklin Electric.<ref name="auto4"/> He also served as the vice chairman of Air Fry Inc., senior vice president of the Arthur Consulting Group, vice president of Lincoln Southeast and vice president of Arthur D. Little Valuation Inc.<ref name="auto4"/> He was a parishioner at St. Benedict Catholic Church, treasurer of the Atlanta chapter of the NFL Players Association and also was president of the Atlanta NFL Alumni Association in his retirement.<ref name="auto4"/> He was married and had four daughters.<ref name="auto4"/> He died on January 24, 2023, at the age of 84.<ref name="auto4"/>
==Notes== {{Notelist}}
==References== {{Reflist}}
{{Chicago Cardinals 1960 draft navbox}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Mestnik, Frank}} Category:1938 births Category:2023 deaths Category:Players of American football from Cleveland Category:American football fullbacks Category:St. Louis Cardinals (football) players Category:Green Bay Packers players Category:20th-century American sportsmen