He was selected by the Giants in the tenth round of the 1937 NFL draft after playing college football at Mississippi State University.

[4] He also played in the 1937 Chicago Charities College All-Star Game, a 6–0 victory over the defending NFL champion Green Bay Packers.

[4] Gelatka was selected by the New York Giants in the 10th round, with the 94th overall pick, of the 1937 NFL draft.

[5] Gelatka also played in the 1938 NFL Championship Game, a 23–17 victory over the Green Bay Packers.

[4] After the 1940 NFL season, Gelatka joined the United States Army Air Forces.