Schnelker played
college football at
Bowling Green State University. He was named as an All-Ohio end twice while also playing on the track and field team. He was inducted into the program's athletic Hall of Fame as part of their first class in 1964. He was selected in the 29th round of the
1950 NFL draft by the
Cleveland Browns. He served in the Marines before being discharged a few years later, where the
Philadelphia Eagles picked him up for their roster before he was traded to the
New York Giants. Schnelker was a two-time
Pro Bowler and a member of the 1956 NFL Champion Giants. As a member of the expansion team
Minnesota Vikings in 1961, he caught the first touchdown pass in the first game played by the team from
Fran Tarkenton. ==NFL career statistics==