Phi Delta Theta has a very proud history in the world of sports. Be it amateur, collegiate, or professional athletics, many Phis have made an impact as players, coaches, managers, and fans alike. For this reason, the Phi Delta Theta Sports Hall of Fame was created in 2010. In order to be enshrined in the Phi Delta Theta Sports Hall of Fame, an alumnus must have, 1) had an impact on the world of sports and 2) exhibited the Fraternity’s Cardinal Principles along the way. Past inductees include a who’s who of sports, including greats like Lou Gehrig and Tom Harmon.
During the 84th Biennial Convention, Phi Delta Theta Fraternity inducted Nick Novak, Maryland ’05, into the Phi Delta Theta Sports Hall of Fame.
Nick grew up in San Diego, California, but later moved to Charlottesville, Virginia in 1994 where he excelled in football and soccer. In 2001, Novak enrolled at the University of Maryland where he played for Famous Phi Ralph Freidgen. Nick gained fame as a redshirt freshman during a nationally televised game against Georgia Tech. He secured his position as a skilled player by kicking a 46-yard field goal to tie the game and earned the nickname “The Kick.”
An undrafted free agent, Novak signed with the Washington Redskins in September 2005 and appeared in five games during his first season. He went on to play 10 seasons in the NFL, including time with the Washington Redskins, Arizona Cardinals, San Diego Chargers, Kansas City Chiefs, New York Jets, and Houston Texans. He amassed 802 points with 82 percent accuracy on field goals and 97 percent accuracy on extra points.
Novak also spent time in NFL Europe, the United Football League, the Alliance of American Football, and the XFL.
