Novsek was selected in both the 1961 NFL Draft (by Baltimore Colts, 19th round, 259th overall) and 1961 AFL Draft (by Oakland Raiders, 17th round, 131st overall), but chose to finish his collegiate career. At the end of the 1961 college football season, Novsek chose the Raiders in the AFL over the NFL's Colts. He was used by the Raiders on each position of the defensive line, and appeared in all fourteen games of the 1962 season. He was a starter in two of their games. He was named to the AFL's All-Rookie team at the end of the season. He was released at roster cuts in August 1963. He was signed by the Baltimore Colts, who drafted him two years prior, in . Novsek was released at the 1964 roster cuts, ending his professional career.
