He played college football as an end and back for the Maryland Terrapins and was selected in the 1952 NFL draft by the Chicago Bears.

[1] He attended the University of Maryland and played on the varsity football team under head coach Jim Tatum from 1949 to 1951.

Shemonski scored five touchdowns in the 1950 game against Virginia Tech, which remains a school record to date.

[6] He participated in the 1952 Senior Bowl, alongside fellow Terps Ed Modzelewski and Bob Ward.

[7] The Chicago Bears of the National Football League selected Shemonski in the thirtieth round (356 overall) of the 1952 NFL draft.