Irving Fryar is a former American football wide receiver who played in the National Football League (NFL) for 17 seasons. He was born on September 28, 1962, in Mount Holly, New Jersey, and attended Rancocas Valley Regional High School in Mount Holly. Fryar was a standout athlete in high school, excelling in football, basketball, and track and field.
After graduating from high school, Fryar attended the University of Nebraska, where he played college football for the Cornhuskers. He was a two-time All-American and set several school records during his time at Nebraska. Fryar was selected by the New England Patriots with the first overall pick in the 1984 NFL Draft.
Fryar played for the Patriots for nine seasons, from 1984 to 1992. He quickly established himself as one of the top wide receivers in the league, earning Pro Bowl honors five times during his tenure with the team. Fryar set several team records during his time in New England, including most career receptions, most career receiving yards, and most career touchdown receptions.
In 1993, Fryar was traded to the Miami Dolphins, where he played for four seasons. He continued to be a productive receiver, earning Pro Bowl honors in 1993 and 1994. Fryar set several team records during his time in Miami, including most career receptions and most career receiving yards.
After leaving the Dolphins, Fryar played for several other teams, including the Philadelphia Eagles, the Washington Redskins, and the New England Patriots (for a second stint). He retired from the NFL after the 2000 season.
Throughout his career, Fryar was known for his speed, agility, and ability to make acrobatic catches. He was also known for his durability, playing in 255 games over the course of his career. Fryar finished his career with 851 receptions for 12,785 yards and 84 touchdowns.
Off the field, Fryar has been involved in several charitable organizations, including the Fellowship of Christian Athletes and the United Way. He has also been active in his local community, serving as a pastor at a church in New Jersey.
In 2015, Fryar was sentenced to five years in prison for his role in a mortgage fraud scheme. He was released from prison in 2019.
Despite his legal troubles, Fryar remains one of the most accomplished wide receivers in NFL history. He was inducted into the New England Patriots Hall of Fame in 1998 and the College Football Hall of Fame in 2017.
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