Jeff Novak
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Jeff Ladd Novak was born on July 27, 1967 in Arlington Heights, IL. However, he considers his city of upbringing to be Clear Lake, TX outside of Houston. He went to Clear Lake High School and he graduated from Texas State University in 1990 in San Marcos, TX.
He was drafted as a Guard in the 1990 NFL Draft by the San Diego Chargers, but was cut and signed by the World Football League. He played for the Montreal Machine in 1990 and 1991. The New York Giants signed him in 1991 and he made the team as a development player. He played for the Giants in 1991 and 1992 and then went to the Miami Dolphins and made the active roster to play for 1993 and 1994. In 1995, he began his career with the Jacksonville Jaguars and played with them through 1998.
He didn't make the team, and continued to tryout for other NFL teams until he was finally signed to the Miami Dolphins in 1994. In 1995, he was taken in the expansion draft that brought the first NFL team to Jacksonville, FL. It was here, that Jeff met teammate Tony Boselli, who continues to be a very good friend. Jeff played for the Jacksonville Jaguars until 1998 when his career and health took a nasty turn.
[edit] End of a Career
During a pre-season game, Jeff injured his leg which had recently suffered a severe hematoma. He played for 3 quarters and was then taken to the locker room where a surgery was performed by team doctor Stephen Lucie. This was performed in unsanitary conditions while Jeff was in immense pain. Several players took photos of the surgery. The surgery was a complete failure and caused Novak to nearly lose his leg. The wound had contracted E. Coli and a staph infection.
Jeff eventually sued Stephen Lucie for medical malpractice. The jury awarded Jeff the largest medical malpractice award ever against an NFL team doctor. Jeff was awarded $4.35 million and his wife was awarded $1 million for her loss of his services and comfort. More than a week later, a U.S. circuit judge overthrew the ruling without giving reason.
However, the ruling was a moral victory and also brought much information to players, owners, coaches and doctors of the NFL. Hopefully, this will mean that player injuries will be taken more seriously in the future.
[edit] Current Career
Along with Will Furrer and Tony Boselli, Jeff is one of the founding partners of IF marketing & advertising, an advertising agency and marketing firm based in Georgetown, TX with an office in Jacksonville, FL. He also heads IF Development, a real estate marketing firm also in Georgetown, TX.
