T. J. Frier (born August 17, 1977) is an American former professional football defensive tackle who played for the Los Angeles Avengers of the Arena Football League (AFL), the Memphis Maniax of the XFL, and the Berlin Thunder of NFL Europe. He also spent time on the practice squad of the Seattle Seahawks of the National Football League (NFL).
Early Life and College
Frier was born on August 17, 1977, in Grand Forks, North Dakota. He attended Dyer County High School in Newbern, Tennessee. He played college football at the University of Memphis, where he was a four-year letterman for the Memphis Tigers from 1995 to 1998.
Professional Career
After going undrafted in the 1999 NFL draft, Frier signed with the Seattle Seahawks on April 22, 1999. He was waived in September 1999 before the start of the season. He re-signed with the Seahawks in February 2000 and was allocated to NFL Europe to play for the Berlin Thunder. Frier played in all ten games for the Thunder during the 2000 NFL Europe season, recording 20 tackles, three sacks, and one pass breakup. He was released by the Seahawks on August 27, 2000.
Frier played in eight games (starting three) for the Memphis Maniax of the XFL in 2001, posting five tackles. He was signed by the Los Angeles Avengers of the Arena Football League on April 11, 2001, and appeared in seven games, totaling two solo tackles, one assisted tackle, and one fumble recovery. During his time in the AFL, he played as an offensive lineman/defensive lineman under the league's ironman rules. He was released by the Avengers on November 2, 2001.
Personal Life
Frier's brother, Damon, played college football for the Wyoming Cowboys.
Physical Attributes
- Height: 6 ft 2 in (1.88 m)
- Weight: 307 lb (139 kg)
- Position: Defensive tackle
