Fraley beats the odds

[PhillyGirl]

Undrafted center becomes anchor of line
By Michele Tafoya
ABC Sports, for Insider

Enough of Terrell Owens and Donovan McNabb already. It is, indeed, a highly entertaining subplot. But McNabb has other relationships with other teammates.

None may be more valuable than his working relationship with center Hank Fraley.

For the past four seasons, the 6-foot-2, 300-pound Fraley has snapped the ball to McNabb. The two have dinner every Wednesday night while locked in the quarterbacks' meeting room, watching extra film of their upcoming opponent.

At first glance, the two have very little in common.

McNabb went to Syracuse. Fraley was a non-scholarship player for Division 1-AA Robert Morris University in Pittsburgh.

McNabb was the second overall pick in the 1999 NFL draft. Fraley went undrafted, signed as a rookie free agent with the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2000, was released and claimed off waivers by the Eagles.

McNabb is on the Board of Trustees at Syracuse. Fraley planned on being a high school teacher and coach had his NFL career not panned out.

Despite their different backgrounds, the center and quarterback have developed a relationship based on respect and a common goal.

The goal, of course, is to win a Super Bowl. But the similarities don't end there. They have a mutual respect based on a common work ethic.

Fraley's entire career has been a product of extraordinarily hard work. After college recruiters overlooked him, he paid his own way to attend and play for Robert Morris. While there, he got some notice. Playing tackle, Fraley was a three-time All-America selection helping the Colonials to three straight Northeast Conference Championships.

Undrafted in 2000, Fraley tried to make the Steelers' roster. Pittsburgh signed him, but let him go during training camp. The Eagles took a chance and claimed him off waivers. Fraley made the 53-man roster, but he was inactive for all 16 games his rookie season.

At the end of the 2001 preseason, Fraley stepped in for injured center Bubba Miller. He started 15 games that season. Since then, Fraley hasn't missed a start. And in 2002, the Eagles signed him to a lucrative five-year extension.

"It was exciting," said Fraley of his early days in the league. "I've always been an underdog. But I was always taught to take the underdog's approach; I just tried not to be overwhelmed. I was always told not to be intimidated."

But there he was, on a team featuring the likes of McNabb, safety Brian Dawkins, linebacker Jeremiah Trotter and offensive tackle Tra Thomas.

"I sometimes still look at [my career] and it amazes me," he said. "My dad, too. He's so proud. But it's not overwhelming anymore."

Now, Fraley is the anchor of Philadelphia's offensive line. And his main responsibility is helping protect a player he holds in high regard.

"I believe Donovan McNabb is one of the best quarterbacks to ever play the game. He's a great leader," Fraley said. "He lets his play do his talking. He'll let people take their own opinion away. He has one focus: to win and be a great teammate."

No wonder they get along.

[MURP]

who wins the fart contest, Traylor or Fraley?

[ice grillin you]

the white guy has black shoes and the black guy white shoes

things that make you go hmmmm???

[PhillyPhreak54]

Did you guys knows that Traylor actually started his career as a LB?

Hanky Bagga Donuts needs to work on his scary/intimidating faces.

[RezRob]

Traylor about to toss a salad and Fraley is taking a Shtein.

[Feva]

Traylor's got a helluva "eddie Munster" goin' on there. 

[StevieLeftCollege]

i really dont like fraley.

[Wingspan]

isnt this article about 4 years too late?

[StevieLeftCollege]

isnt this article about 4 years too late?

no, madden talks about him every MNF game.

[sallad selgae]

My man in the middle says it's about time he gets props.  And no, he is not fixing to defecate.  He is thinking about how much defensive lineman look like donuts.

Robert Morris University motto, "Knowledge is Good".

It is obvious why Stevie Left College - How can you not like #63.

[General_Failure]

I don't even want to know what that picture is really for.

[StevieLeftCollege]

My man in the middle says it's about time he gets props.  And no, he is not fixing to defecate.  He is thinking about how much defensive lineman look like donuts.

Robert Morris University motto, "Knowledge is Good".

It is obvious why Stevie Left College - How can you not like #63.

youre an idiot.

[PhillyGirl]

i really dont like fraley.

why?

[sallad selgae]

How about try "you're and idiot".

Knowledge is Good.

[PoopyfaceMcGee]

How about try "you're and idiot".

Knowledge is Good.

If you're going to correct someone's grammar...