William Connor Fries Bio
William Connor Fries is an American professional football guard who currently plays for the Minnesota Vikings of the National Football League (NFL). Born on April 4, 1998, in Staten Island, New York, Fries was raised in Cranford, New Jersey, where he developed his passion for football at a young age. He played college football for the Penn State Nittany Lions from 2016 to 2020 before being selected by the Indianapolis Colts in the seventh round of the 2021 NFL Draft. After four seasons with the Colts, Fries signed with the Minnesota Vikings in March 2025 on a five-year, $88 million contract. He has established himself as a reliable offensive lineman, appearing in 58 NFL games with 48 starts throughout his career.
Early Life and Background
Fries grew up in Cranford, New Jersey, where he attended Cranford High School. During his high school years, he played prep football and developed the skills that would later earn him recognition at the collegiate level. His dedication to the sport was evident from an early age, and he quickly became a standout player in his region. The foundation he built during his formative years in New Jersey would serve as the stepping stone for his future football career.
In addition to his football pursuits, Fries comes from an athletic family. His younger brother, Matt Fries, plays college football for Monmouth University, continuing the family’s tradition in football. Fries is currently in a relationship with Isabella Therien, a women’s basketball player who is the daughter of retired NHL hockey player Chris Therien. This connection to professional athletics has provided Fries with a supportive environment throughout his development as an athlete.
Path to American Football
Fries attended Penn State University from 2016 to 2020, where he played for the Penn State Nittany Lions football team. During his time in State College, he developed into a formidable offensive lineman, showcasing his talent and work ethic on one of college football’s biggest stages. His performance throughout his collegiate career earned him recognition among conference peers and positioned him for the next level of competition.
In his senior season of 2020, Fries achieved the notable distinction of being named Second-team All-Big Ten. This honor reflected his consistent play and importance to the Nittany Lions’ offensive line during his final year of college eligibility. The recognition from Big Ten coaches and media underscored his growth from a young prospect to a polished collegiate performer ready for professional football.
William Connor Fries Career
Indianapolis Colts (2021–2024)
Fries was selected by the Indianapolis Colts in the seventh round with the 248th overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft. On May 6, 2021, he officially signed with the Colts, beginning his professional football journey. During his rookie season, Fries gained valuable experience adapting to the speed and complexity of NFL competition while developing under the guidance of the Colts’ coaching staff.
The 2022 season marked a turning point in Fries’ career. After beginning the year as a backup, he was named the starting right guard in Week 10 and retained that role for the remainder of the season. This promotion demonstrated the coaching staff’s confidence in his abilities and provided him with an opportunity to prove himself as a permanent fixture in the Colts’ offensive line. In 2023, Fries returned as the Week 1 starting right guard and started every game of the season, further cementing his role as a core member of the team.
The 2024 season saw Fries continue as the starting right guard, but his year was cut short by injury. In Week 5, he suffered a fractured right tibia, which resulted in his placement on injured reserve on October 7, 2024. The injury ended his season prematurely but did not diminish the impact he had made during his time with the Colts organization. Over four seasons in Indianapolis, Fries appeared in 58 games with 48 starts, including one fumble recovery.
Minnesota Vikings (2025–Present)
On March 12, 2025, Fries signed a five-year, $88 million contract with the Minnesota Vikings, marking a significant milestone in his career. The deal represented both a reward for his consistent performance and a vote of confidence in his ability to anchor an NFL offensive line. The signing was finalized shortly after the Vikings acquired Fries’ former Colts teammate, Ryan Kelly, creating a familiar connection on Minnesota’s offensive line.
Since joining the Vikings, Fries has become a vital piece of Minnesota’s offensive line rotation. His experience from four seasons with the Colts, combined with his durability and consistency, made him an attractive addition to a Vikings team looking to strengthen its front. The partnership with his former Colts teammate added continuity that the coaching staff hoped would translate to improved performance along the offensive front.
Driving Style and Strengths
Standing at 6 feet 6 inches and weighing 321 pounds, Fries brings impressive physical dimensions to the guard position. His size and length allow him to effectively engage defenders at the line of scrimmage while maintaining leverage throughout the play. His experience as a starter in 40 consecutive games during the 2022 and 2023 seasons showcased his durability and consistency, traits that NFL teams highly value in offensive linemen. Fries’ ability to remain healthy and perform at a high level over multiple seasons has positioned him as a reliable asset for any team seeking stability along its offensive line.
Notable Events and Milestones
Throughout his career, Fries has achieved several significant milestones that highlight his growth as a professional athlete. His transition from backup to starter during the 2022 season demonstrated his ability to seize opportunities when presented. Completing a full 17-game season as a starter in 2023 further solidified his reputation as a durable and dependable performer. His $88 million contract with the Vikings in 2025 represented the largest contract of his career and underscored the value he brings to a franchise. The injury-shortened 2024 season remains a notable chapter, but his successful return to form with the Vikings in 2025 has allowed him to continue building on his established foundation.
William Connor Fries Career Wins
Throughout his NFL career, Fries has accumulated significant experience at the guard position, appearing in 58 games with 48 starts across five seasons. His most productive stretch came during the 2022 and 2023 seasons, when he started every game at right guard for the Indianapolis Colts. While individual statistics for offensive linemen are limited, his durability and consistent starting roles represent meaningful accomplishments in a position where continuity is highly valued.
Indianapolis Colts Highlights
Fries’ time with the Colts was defined by his steady progression from rookie to established starter. His first career start came in Week 10 of the 2022 season, a milestone that launched him into a permanent starting role. He followed that breakthrough season by starting all 17 games in 2023, demonstrating the kind of reliability that offensive lines require. His tenure in Indianapolis produced 58 total game appearances and 48 starts over four seasons, establishing him as a consistent performer for the franchise.
Other Wins and Performances
Beyond his NFL career, Fries’ collegiate achievements include his Second-team All-Big Ten recognition in 2020 during his senior season at Penn State. This honor represented the culmination of his development as a college player and validated the potential scouts saw in him leading up to the NFL Draft. His selection in the seventh round of the 2021 Draft was a testament to his hard work and persistence throughout his football journey.
William Connor Fries Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Fries comes from an athletic family with strong connections to professional sports. His younger brother, Matt Fries, currently plays college football for Monmouth University, following in William’s footsteps as the second family member to compete at the collegiate level. The brothers share a competitive drive that has fueled their respective football careers and created a support system rooted in shared experience.
Personal Life
Off the field, Fries is in a relationship with Isabella Therien, a women’s basketball player. Isabella is the daughter of Chris Therien, a retired professional hockey player who competed in the NHL. This connection to professional athletics has provided Fries with a unique perspective on the demands of professional sports and the dedication required to succeed at the highest levels. The couple maintains a relatively private life away from the football field, with Fries focusing much of his attention on his career with the Vikings.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season marks a new chapter in Fries’ career as he joins the Minnesota Vikings following his blockbuster signing in March. His partnership with fellow Colts import Ryan Kelly creates an intriguing dynamic along Minnesota’s offensive line, with both players bringing experience and chemistry developed over multiple seasons together in Indianapolis. The Vikings coaching staff has expressed confidence in Fries’ ability to seamlessly integrate into their system and provide the kind of steady play that defined his tenure with the Colts.
Fries enters the 2025 season as the projected starting right guard for Minnesota, a role that comes with increased expectations following his lucrative contract. His primary objectives include staying healthy across a full 17-game schedule and establishing chemistry with his new teammates along the offensive front. The Vikings are counting on his durability and consistency to anchor their line as they pursue postseason contention. With his proven track record of reliability and the motivation that comes with a new opportunity, Fries appears well-positioned to make a significant impact in his debut season with Minnesota.