45 Facts About Pat Freiermuth

Early Life and High School Achievements

Pat Freiermuth's journey to the NFL began in Merrimac, Massachusetts, where he grew up and developed his passion for football.

1. Freiermuth attended Pentucket Regional High School in West Newbury, Massachusetts, before transferring to the Brooks School in North Andover, Massachusetts.
2. At Brooks School, he played tight end and outside linebacker, wearing jersey number eight.
3. He also played basketball as a power forward and small forward, showcasing his athletic versatility.
4. During his high school football career, he amassed 1,531 total yards and 24 total touchdowns.

College Career at Penn State

Freiermuth's college career at Penn State was marked by impressive performances and numerous accolades.

5. He committed to Penn State University to play college football.
6. As a freshman in 2018, he made nine starts and recorded 26 receptions for 368 yards and eight touchdowns.
7. His eight touchdowns as a freshman broke the record for most receiving touchdowns by a freshman tight end at Penn State.
8. Over three seasons, he started all but four games, scoring sixteen career touchdowns.
9. He tied for eighth place overall at Penn State for career touchdowns.
10. Freiermuth totaled 92 career receptions and 1,185 career receiving yards.
11. In 2019, he was named the Big Ten Conference's Most Valuable Offensive Player.
12. He was invited to the NFL Scouting Combine a year early but chose to return to Penn State for another season.

Transition to the NFL

Freiermuth's transition to the NFL began with his selection by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the 2021 NFL Draft.

13. The Pittsburgh Steelers selected him in the second round (55th overall) of the 2021 NFL Draft.
14. He signed a four-year rookie contract with the Steelers on May 25, 2021.
15. Freiermuth was assigned jersey number 88, famously worn by Hall of Fame receiver Lynn Swann.

Rookie Season Highlights

Freiermuth made an immediate impact during his rookie season with the Steelers.

16. He started his first NFL game in Week 1 against the Buffalo Bills and recorded his first career reception for 24 yards.
17. He caught his first professional touchdown pass on September 26, 2021, against the Cincinnati Bengals.
18. In a game against the Chicago Bears, he caught five passes on six targets for 43 yards and scored two touchdowns.
19. The following week, he caught five passes for 31 yards in a tied game against the Detroit Lions.
20. In the AFC Wild Card Round against the Buffalo Bills, he caught five passes on eight targets for 76 yards and recovered a crucial fumble.

Continued Success and Contract Extension

Freiermuth's performance earned him a contract extension and continued success on the field.

21. On September 6, 2024, he signed a four-year, $48.4 million contract extension with the Steelers.
22. In the 2024 season, he caught his first touchdown pass of the season on an eight-yard pass from Justin Fields during Week 4's game against the Indianapolis Colts.

Family and Personal Background

Freiermuth's family has a strong athletic background, contributing to his development as a player.

23. His uncle, Michael Foley, is the offensive line coach for the University of Massachusetts – Amherst.
24. His father, John Freiermuth, played basketball at St. Anselm College in New Hampshire and was named New Hampshire's "Mr. Basketball" in 1988.
25. His mother is a history teacher and former coach for North Andover High School field hockey, leading her team to two North sectional titles.
26. His brother, Tim Freiermuth, was an offensive lineman for Springfield College in Massachusetts.

High School and College Statistics

Freiermuth's impressive statistics in high school and college set the stage for his NFL career.

27. During his high school career, he had 1,531 total yards and 24 total touchdowns.
28. At Penn State, he compiled 92 catches for 1,185 yards and 16 touchdowns in three seasons.

NFL Career Statistics and Highlights

Freiermuth's NFL career has been marked by consistent performance and key contributions.

29. As of the end of the 2023 season, he has averaged 51.7 receptions for 512.3 yards and 3.7 touchdowns per season.
30. In his rookie season (2021), he totaled seven receiving touchdowns and a career-best 732 receiving yards in 2022.
31. During the 2022 season, he logged 63 receptions for 732 yards and two touchdowns.
32. In the 2023 season, despite missing five games due to a hamstring injury, he managed 32 receptions for 308 yards and two touchdowns.
33. He recovered a crucial fumble in the AFC Wild Card Round against the Buffalo Bills in the 2023 season.

Contributions on Defense and Red-Zone Performance

Freiermuth has also made contributions on defense and excelled in red-zone situations.

34. While primarily a tight end, he has recorded four tackles in his NFL career.
35. As a rookie, he led all tight ends with 20 red-zone targets despite playing only 61.8% of the Steelers' offensive snaps.
36. He commanded a 13% target share and saw 9.8% of the Steelers' air yards as a rookie.
37. Freiermuth averaged 278 yards after catch (YAC) in his rookie season, ranking No. 12 among tight ends.
38. Despite not having top-level quarterback play, he generated a No. 8 quarterback rating when targeted.

Impact of Injuries and Team Changes

Injuries and team changes have impacted Freiermuth's performance and role on the team.

39. A hamstring injury in the 2023 season limited him to 12 regular-season games.
40. The Steelers' quarterback room underwent significant changes with the departure of Kenny Pickett and the addition of Russell Wilson and Justin Fields.
41. With the trade of Diontae Johnson and the addition of rookie Roman Wilson, the Steelers lacked pass catcher depth, making Freiermuth a crucial player in their offense.

Best Game and Offensive Coordinator Change

Freiermuth's best game and the change in offensive coordinator highlighted his potential and resilience.

42. In a game against the Cincinnati Bengals, he had his best game of the season with nine catches for 120 yards.
43. The first play-action pass of the game to Freiermuth down the seam provided him with confidence and set the tone for his performance against the Bengals.
44. The change in offensive coordinator from Matt Canada to Mike Sullivan led to a significant improvement in his performance, as he was more involved early and often in games.
45. The Steelers' strategy of targeting two-high safety looks provided Freiermuth with opportunities to make significant plays, which he capitalized on against the Bengals.

Pat Freiermuth: A Rising Star

Pat Freiermuth has quickly become a standout player for the Pittsburgh Steelers. From his early days in Merrimac, Massachusetts, to his impressive college career at Penn State, Freiermuth has consistently shown his talent and dedication. Drafted in the second round of the 2021 NFL draft, he wasted no time making an impact. With notable performances, including his first professional touchdown and crucial plays in postseason games, Freiermuth has proven his worth. His recent contract extension through 2028 highlights the Steelers' confidence in his abilities. Beyond the field, Freiermuth's involvement in community activities and his leadership role within the team further solidify his status as a key player. As he continues to grow and evolve, fans can expect even greater things from this talented tight end. Pat Freiermuth's journey is just beginning, and the future looks bright.