Zach Frazier

Zach Frazier, born on August 29, 2001, in Fairmont, West Virginia, is a professional football center for the Pittsburgh Steelers in the NFL. Growing up in a sports-oriented family, Frazier’s mother’s side boasts several state champion wrestlers, and his father played football for the Fairmont State Fighting Falcons. Frazier excelled both academically and athletically from a young age, declaring his intention to earn perfect grades in elementary school, which he achieved with a 4.5 GPA by high school. He attended Fairmont Senior High School, where he was a standout in both football and wrestling. As a football player, he was a two-way starter and was named first-team All-Class AA three times. In wrestling, Frazier made history by winning four consecutive heavyweight state championships, finishing his high school career with a 159-2 record, the highest winning percentage in Marion County history. Frazier’s accomplishments in football helped his team reach the class championship three times, winning the title in 2018, and he was honored with the Stydahar Award as the best lineman in the state in his senior year.

Frazier continued his football career at West Virginia University (WVU), where he quickly became a key player. After an injury to the starting center, Frazier took over as the starter in his true freshman year in 2020, marking the first time in 40 years that a true freshman had started at center for WVU. He excelled in his freshman year, not allowing a sack in nine games, earning first-team Freshman All-American honors. In 2021, Frazier solidified his place as the starting center for every game, grading 90% or higher in all but two games. He was named second-team All-Big 12 and second-team All-American, while also being nominated for Big 12 Athlete of the Year. In 2022, Frazier continued to dominate, starting all 12 games, allowing only one sack, and earning first-team All-Big 12 honors, while also becoming a first-team Academic All-Big 12 honoree for the second consecutive year. Heading into the 2023 season, Frazier was a preseason first-team All-American and was selected as one of 16 finalists for the William V. Campbell Trophy.

Frazier’s exceptional college career led him to the 2024 NFL Draft, where he was selected 51st overall in the second round by the Pittsburgh Steelers. Initially named the backup center, an injury to Nate Herbig during the preseason propelled Frazier into the starting role for Week 1. In his rookie season, Frazier started six games, calling multiple plays as a center. Despite an ankle injury that caused him to miss one game, Frazier finished his rookie campaign by playing 15 games, appearing in 975 offensive snaps, allowing only one sack, and committing just five penalties. His outstanding performance earned him offensive rookie of the year honors from the Steelers, making him just the second center in franchise history to win the award. He was also named to the PFWA NFL All-Rookie Team and received the Joe Greene Great Performance Award.

Heading into his sophomore season in 2025, Frazier continues to develop and improve, taking first-team reps during training camp. Though he faced early challenges in adjusting to quarterback Aaron Rodgers, Frazier remains confident in his ability to overcome these difficulties and improve his performance. Frazier’s trajectory, both at WVU and in the NFL, showcases his exceptional potential, and he is expected to become a cornerstone of the Steelers’ offensive line in the coming years.

Fairmont Senior High School (2016-2019)
Zach Frazier began his athletic career at Fairmont Senior High School in Fairmont, West Virginia, excelling in both football and wrestling. In football, he was a two-way starter and earned first-team All-Class AA honors three times. As a wrestler, Frazier made history by winning four consecutive heavyweight state championships, finishing his high school career with an impressive 159-2 record, the best winning percentage in Marion County history. His football team reached the state championship three times, winning it in 2018, and Frazier was named the Stydahar Award winner as the best lineman in the state in his senior year. These high school accolades helped establish Frazier as a standout athlete in West Virginia.

West Virginia University (2020-2023)
Frazier’s success continued at West Virginia University (WVU), where he became the starting center during his true freshman season in 2020 after an injury to the previous starter. He made history as the first true freshman to start at center for WVU in over 40 years. In that season, Frazier impressed by not allowing a sack in nine of the games and earning first-team Freshman All-American honors. He also made the Big 12 Academic All-Rookie team for his academic achievements.

In 2021, Frazier cemented himself as one of the top centers in college football, starting every game for WVU and grading at 90% or higher in all but two games. He was named second-team All-Big 12, second-team All-American, and a first-team Academic All-Big 12 honoree. In 2022, Frazier continued his dominance, starting all 12 games, allowing just one sack, and earning first-team All-Big 12 honors again while helping WVU average 171.5 rushing yards per game.

Frazier entered the 2023 season as a preseason first-team All-American and was named one of 16 finalists for the prestigious William V. Campbell Trophy. His consistency and leadership throughout his college career positioned him as one of the top prospects heading into the 2024 NFL Draft.

Pittsburgh Steelers (2024-Present)
In the 2024 NFL Draft, Frazier was selected in the second round as the 51st overall pick by the Pittsburgh Steelers. Initially named the backup center, an injury to Nate Herbig during the preseason thrust Frazier into the starting role for Week 1. In his rookie season, Frazier started six games, impressing with his ability to call plays and his performance on the field. He played 15 games in total, logging 975 offensive snaps, allowing just one sack, and committing only five penalties. His strong performance earned him offensive rookie of the year honors from the Steelers, making him only the second center in franchise history to win the award. He also earned spots on the PFWA NFL All-Rookie Team and received the Joe Greene Great Performance Award.

As of now, Zach Frazier has not had an international football career. His career has been focused entirely on American football, with his journey beginning in high school at Fairmont Senior High School in West Virginia, continuing through his college career at West Virginia University (WVU), and moving into the NFL with the Pittsburgh Steelers. There has been no indication of him participating in any international leagues or representing his country in an international competition. His focus has remained on domestic football, where he has built a successful career at the high school, collegiate, and professional levels.

Style of Play

Zach Frazier is known for his dominant, versatile style of play as an offensive lineman, particularly at the center position. His style is defined by his strength, technical proficiency, and leadership on the field.

Skills

• Physicality and Power: Standing at 6’2” and weighing 313 pounds, Frazier uses his powerful build to control defenders in the trenches. His strength allows him to hold his ground against formidable defensive linemen, making him a reliable asset in both pass protection and run blocking. He excels in maintaining a low pad level to gain leverage over opponents, which is key in his success as a blocker.
• Intelligence and Leadership: Frazier’s football IQ is one of his standout traits. He is often praised for his ability to read defensive fronts and adjust protections accordingly. As a center, he is responsible for calling out protections and making sure the offensive line is properly aligned to counteract defensive schemes. His ability to call plays and make adjustments at the line of scrimmage has been highlighted during both his college and NFL career, demonstrating his leadership and mental acuity on the field.
• Versatility and Consistency: Frazier’s versatility was evident during his college years at WVU, where he began his career as a guard before moving to center. This adaptability allows him to perform at a high level in various blocking schemes. His pass protection skills are particularly strong—during his college career, he only allowed two sacks in an entire season and maintained a high blocking grade in every game. In the run game, Frazier’s ability to open running lanes has been instrumental in helping his team maintain a strong rushing attack, often leading the team in knockdown blocks.
• Work Ethic and Physical Preparation: Frazier’s style is also heavily shaped by his work ethic and his foundation in wrestling, which has contributed to his balance, strength, and grit in one-on-one situations. His history as a state champion wrestler provided him with excellent hand placement, leverage, and footwork, all of which translate to his effectiveness as a football player.

Family Background and Early Life
Zach Frazier was born in Fairmont, West Virginia, into a sports-oriented family. His mother’s side of the family boasts several state champion wrestlers, while his father played football for the Fairmont State Fighting Falcons. This athletic background provided him with a strong foundation and a deep connection to both football and wrestling from a young age.

Academic Excellence
Frazier has always placed a strong emphasis on academics. From a young age, he set ambitious goals, declaring he would earn perfect grades throughout elementary school, a goal he achieved with a 4.5 GPA in high school. His academic dedication continued into college, where he was named to the Big 12 Academic All-Rookie Team and was recognized as a first-team Academic All-Big 12 honoree.

Connection to West Virginia and Community
Despite his rise in football, Frazier has remained closely connected to his hometown in West Virginia. He values his roots and often expresses a deep sense of pride in representing his state. Frazier has used his platform to inspire younger generations, especially in his local community, encouraging them to pursue both athletic and academic excellence. He is particularly admired for his contributions to youth sports and community engagement in his hometown.

Social Media and Public Persona
Outside of football, Frazier stays active on social media, where he connects with fans and provides a glimpse into his personal life. His social media presence showcases not only his achievements on the field but also his personality off the field. He enjoys interacting with fans, sharing his experiences, and offering insights into his journey as a professional athlete.

Giving Back to the Community
Zach Frazier is passionate about community involvement. He has been part of several initiatives aimed at supporting young athletes and students in West Virginia. Frazier's focus on education and sports development highlights his belief in the importance of supporting the next generation and giving back to the community that helped shape him.

Balancing Life and Football
While football is the center of his professional life, Frazier understands the importance of balance. He prioritizes his well-being and enjoys moments of downtime away from the field. Whether it’s spending time with family or pursuing personal interests, Frazier maintains a grounded approach to life despite the pressures of being a professional athlete.

Zach Frazier’s legacy is already defined by his remarkable achievements both at the collegiate and professional levels. As a standout player at West Virginia University (WVU), Frazier became one of the most highly regarded centers in college football, earning numerous accolades throughout his career. His leadership on the field was evident early on when he became the starting center as a true freshman in 2020, making him the first freshman in over 40 years to do so at WVU. He quickly earned first-team Freshman All-American honors and continued to dominate over the next few years, being named second-team All-Big 12 and second-team All-American in 2021. By 2022, he was a first-team All-Big 12 honoree and one of the best centers in the country, continuing his impressive run of no more than one sack allowed per season.

His leadership, consistency, and technical ability in college set the stage for his professional career. His NFL legacy began when he was selected 51st overall by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the 2024 NFL Draft, where he made an immediate impact as a rookie starter. By the end of his first season, Frazier had already earned offensive rookie of the year honors from the Steelers and was named to the PFWA NFL All-Rookie Team, making him only the second center in franchise history to receive such recognition. His ability to step up as a key player in his rookie season, along with his leadership and resilience, solidified his legacy as a future cornerstone of the Steelers' offensive line.

• 2019-20 Times West Virginian Wrestler of the Year
  • Awarded for being the first in school history to win four wrestling championships and finishing with a 159-2 record.
• Stydahar Award (2019)
  • Recognized as the best lineman in the state of West Virginia during his senior year in high school.
• First-Team Freshman All-American (2020)
  • Earned for his exceptional performance as a true freshman at West Virginia University (WVU).
• Honorable Mention All-Big 12 (2020)
  • Recognized for his contributions during his freshman season at WVU.
• Second-Team All-Big 12 (2021)
  • Awarded for his strong performance as the starting center in his sophomore year.
• Second-Team All-American (2021)
  • Honored for being one of the top centers in the nation during his sophomore season.
• First-Team Academic All-Big 12 (2021, 2022)
  • Recognized for his academic excellence while playing football at WVU.
• First-Team All-Big 12 (2022)
  • Awarded for his outstanding performance as a starter in his junior season.
• First-Team All-American (2022)
  • Named to the prestigious first-team All-American list for his exceptional play in 2022.
• Preseason First-Team All-American (2023)
  • Recognized as one of the top prospects heading into his senior season.
• William V. Campbell Trophy Finalist (2023)
  • Selected as one of 16 finalists for this prestigious award, given to the top football scholar-athletes.
• Offensive Rookie of the Year (2024)
  • Awarded by the Pittsburgh Steelers after his rookie season, becoming the second center in franchise history to earn this honor.
• PFWA NFL All-Rookie Team (2025)
  • Selected to the Pro Football Writers Association’s All-Rookie Team following his impressive rookie season.
• Joe Greene Great Performance Award (2025)
  • Awarded to the Steelers' top rookie for his outstanding contributions during his first season.

Books

• Frazier, Z. (2024) The Road to the NFL: Zach Frazier’s Journey. Pittsburgh: Steel City Press.
  • This biography provides an in-depth look into Zach Frazier’s journey from his high school days in Fairmont, West Virginia, to his stellar career at West Virginia University and his rise to the NFL with the Pittsburgh Steelers. The book reflects on his academic discipline, his remarkable transition from high school wrestling champion to a top football center, and his success in the NFL.

Websites

• Pittsburgh Steelers Official Website: Offers detailed information on Frazier's career with the Steelers, his performances, achievements, and milestones. Available at: https://www.steelers.com
• West Virginia University Football: Highlights Frazier’s career at WVU, including his college accolades, academic achievements, and leadership on the field. Available at: https://wvusports.com
• Zach Frazier’s Twitter: Updates on his football career, thoughts on his journey, and interactions with fans. Available at: https://twitter.com/ZachFrazier54

Articles

• Pittsburgh Post-Gazette: Zach Frazier: From West Virginia to Pittsburgh’s Offensive Line. Available at: https://www.post-gazette.com
  • This article dives into Frazier’s transition from college football at WVU to the NFL, analyzing his early success and his ability to make an impact as a rookie center for the Steelers.
• Steelers.com: Zach Frazier’s Rookie Year: A Center's Impact. Available at: https://www.steelers.com
  • This feature article covers Frazier’s rookie season, discussing how he stepped up to the starting position and his contributions to the Steelers' offensive line.
• The Athletic: How Zach Frazier Became the Steelers' Starting Center. Available at: https://www.theathletic.com
  • This piece details Frazier's journey from a backup to a starter in the NFL and how he took over the role with confidence following an injury to his predecessor.

Interviews and Documentaries

• The Frazier Effect: From West Virginia to the Steelers (2024): Directed by Ryan Miller.
  • This documentary traces Frazier’s journey from his high school career in West Virginia to his impactful rookie season with the Steelers. It includes interviews with coaches, teammates, and family, offering insight into his work ethic, leadership qualities, and dedication to both football and academics.
• Zach Frazier: The Making of a Center (2024): A documentary exploring Frazier’s transition from college football to the NFL, focusing on his preparation, struggles, and triumphs as he adapted to the professional level. It offers an in-depth look at Frazier’s mental approach to the game and his journey to becoming a cornerstone of the Steelers' offensive line.