This Marion County native grew up in a coal camp and played football at Farmington High and later at Marshall College (now University) and Auburn University.

Gatski became a star in the pros, playing center for the Cleveland Browns from 1946 to 1956 and one year for the Detroit Lions. He played in 10 championship games and won 8. He was named All-Pro four times and was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1985.

Remarkably, Gatski never missed a game due to injury in his entire career. Marshall University retired his jersey number (72), and a bridge in Huntington is named in his honor. After football, he worked and coached at a correctional center.