25 Facts About Hank Fraley

Early Life and High School

Hank Fraley's journey in football began in Gaithersburg, Maryland. His early years set the stage for his impressive career.

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   Birth and Early Life: Hank Fraley was born on Wednesday, September 21, 1977, in Gaithersburg, Maryland.

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   High School Career: Fraley attended Gaithersburg High School, where he helped his team reach the Maryland state championship game as a senior in 1995.

College Football at Robert Morris University

Fraley's college years were marked by determination and success, despite starting as a non-scholarship player.

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   College Football: Fraley played college football at Robert Morris University, a Division I-AA school near Pittsburgh. He was a non-scholarship player but went on to become one of the all-time greats at the school.

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   College Achievements: Fraley earned his degree in Organizational Leadership from Robert Morris University. He is listed as the second athlete to ever have his number, 75, retired from Robert Morris University.

Transition to the NFL

Despite going undrafted, Fraley's NFL career took off, showcasing his resilience and talent.

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   NFL Draft Status: Despite his impressive college career, Fraley went undrafted in the 2000 NFL Draft. However, this did not deter him from pursuing his dreams in the NFL.

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   NFL Playing Career: Fraley began his NFL career as an undrafted free agent with the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2000. He was claimed off waivers by the Philadelphia Eagles and went on to play for the Eagles, Cleveland Browns, and St. Louis Rams over the course of 11 seasons.

Philadelphia Eagles and Super Bowl XXXIX

Fraley's time with the Eagles was a highlight of his playing career, including a Super Bowl appearance.

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   Philadelphia Eagles: Fraley spent five seasons with the Philadelphia Eagles, starting in 15 games in his first season and becoming a key member of the team's offensive line. He started every game from 2001 to 2005 and was part of an offensive line that helped the Eagles offense achieve 25.9 points per game in 2002, the fourth highest in the NFL.

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   Super Bowl XXXIX: Fraley was the starting center for the Philadelphia Eagles in Super Bowl XXXIX against the New England Patriots. Although the Eagles lost, Fraley's performance was notable.

Cleveland Browns and St. Louis Rams

Fraley continued his NFL journey with the Browns and Rams, adding to his experience and achievements.

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   Cleveland Browns: After losing his starting job to Jamaal Jackson, Fraley was traded to the Cleveland Browns in 2006. He played for the Browns for four seasons and was re-signed before the start of free agency in 2007. He made his 100th NFL career start against the Buffalo Bills on December 16, 2007.

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    St. Louis Rams: Fraley played one season with the St. Louis Rams before being released on September 4, 2011.

Transition to Coaching

After retiring as a player, Fraley transitioned to coaching, bringing his expertise to various teams.

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    Coaching Career: Fraley transitioned into coaching after his playing career. He started as the offensive line coach at the University of San Diego in 2012 and then moved to San Jose State University in 2013.

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    Minnesota Vikings: Fraley joined the Minnesota Vikings as an assistant offensive line coach in 2014. During his tenure, the Vikings captured Minnesota’s first NFL North title since 2009 and made its first playoff appearance since 2012.

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    UCLA Bruins: In 2017, Fraley became the offensive line coach for the UCLA Bruins. His experience and leadership were highly valued by the team, and he was praised for his ability to lead the unit forward.

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    Detroit Lions: Fraley joined the Detroit Lions as an assistant offensive line coach in 2018 and was promoted to offensive line coach in 2020. Under his guidance, the Lions' offense has shown significant improvement, becoming one of the top scoring units in the league.

Personal Life and Legacy

Fraley's personal life and legacy reflect his dedication to football and his family.

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    Coaching Record: As of 2024, Fraley has a coaching record of 79-83-2 with a win percentage of 48.78%. He has also led the Lions to two playoff appearances during his tenure.

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    Personal Life: Fraley is married to Danielle, and they have five children: Trent, Mason, Travis, Beau, and Scarlett. The family resides in Canton, Michigan, and they also have three pets: a yellow lab named Wingman, a Leonberger named Uschi, and a pug named Daisy.

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    Retirement of Jersey Number: Fraley's jersey number, 75, was retired by Robert Morris University in 2001, making him the second athlete in school history to receive this honor.

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    Inductions into Halls of Fame: Fraley was inducted into the Robert Morris University Athletic Hall of Fame in 2006 and the Northeast Conference Hall of Fame in 2010.

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    College and NFL Experience: Fraley’s career spans both college and the NFL. He played 11 years in the NFL and coached at various levels, including college and the NFL.

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    Leadership Degree: Fraley holds a degree in Organizational Leadership from Robert Morris University, which has helped him in his coaching career.

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    Coaching Philosophy: Fraley is known for his blue-collar work ethic and line calling abilities. His philosophy emphasizes the importance of teamwork and dedication to the sport.

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    Player Recognition: During his playing career, Fraley was recognized for his contributions to the team. He was praised by teammate Joe Jurevicius for his role in the 2006 season, where he was considered the offensive MVP by some.

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    Coaching Staff Experience: Fraley has worked under several experienced coaches, including Tony Sparano at the Minnesota Vikings. This experience has helped him develop a strong understanding of the game and its strategies.

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    Team Achievements: Under Fraley’s guidance, the Detroit Lions have shown significant improvement in their offense. The team has become one of the top scoring units in the league, and Fraley’s leadership has been instrumental in this success.

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    Legacy: Hank Fraley’s legacy extends beyond his playing and coaching career. He is remembered for his dedication to the sport and his ability to inspire his teammates both on and off the field. His contributions to the game of football are a testament to his hard work and perseverance.

Hank Fraley: A Football Lifeline

Hank Fraley's journey from a non-scholarship player at Robert Morris University to a respected NFL coach is nothing short of inspiring. His career highlights include playing in Super Bowl XXXIX with the Philadelphia Eagles, coaching stints with the Minnesota Vikings, UCLA Bruins, and Detroit Lions, and having his jersey number retired by his alma mater. Fraley's dedication to football is evident in his transition from player to coach, where he continues to make a significant impact. His leadership degree and blue-collar work ethic have shaped his coaching philosophy, emphasizing teamwork and perseverance. Off the field, Fraley is a family man, residing in Canton, Michigan, with his wife, five children, and three pets. His legacy in football, both as a player and coach, serves as a testament to his hard work and passion for the game.