Ken Novak was born July 3, 1954 in Willowick, Ohio, a suburb of Cleveland, where he attended Saint Mary Magdalene grade school.

Novak was unable to crack the Colts' starting roster, however, and was limited to a reserve role as a defensive tackle.

[2] During the 1977 season he was similarly filled mostly a reserve role, contributing just 8 tackles (4 solo) and a fumble recovery in the 12 games in which he saw action.

[2] Unable to live up to the lofty expectations of his draft position, the Colts released Novak on August 29, 1978, just ahead of the 1978 season.

[3] He remained a free agent until signed by the Cleveland Browns on December 15 of that year — just two days before the final game of the season, in which he did not play.