Hjalte Froholdt

Hjalte Froholdt Bio

Hjalte Froholdt (born August 20, 1996) is a Danish professional American football center for the Arizona Cardinals of the National Football League (NFL). He entered the NFL as a fourth-round draft pick of the New England Patriots in 2019, becoming only the second native of Denmark ever selected in an NFL draft. Froholdt played college football at the University of Arkansas, where he transitioned from defensive line to offensive line during his four-year career with the Razorbacks.

Early Life and Background

Hjalte Froholdt was born in Svendborg, Denmark, on August 20, 1996. He began his football journey in his native country, playing for the Svendborg Admirals youth program. His path to American football included a year as an exchange student at Warren G. Harding High School in Warren, Ohio, where he continued developing his skills. Upon returning to Denmark, Froholdt played for the U-19 team of the Søllerød Gold Diggers.

For his senior year of high school, Froholdt attended IMG Academy in Bradenton, Florida, one of the premier athletic academies in the United States. His performance at IMG Academy earned him a scholarship to play college football at the University of Arkansas, where he would make his mark as an offensive lineman.

Path to American Football

Froholdt was recruited to Arkansas by then-head coach Bret Bielema, who later became the defensive line coach for the New England Patriots in 2019. This early connection would prove significant in Froholdt’s professional career trajectory. He arrived at Arkansas in 2015 and immediately contributed as a freshman on the defensive line.

Prior to the 2016 season, Froholdt made a crucial position switch from defensive lineman to offensive lineman. He embraced the transition and quickly established himself as a reliable presence on the Razorbacks’ offensive front. His versatility and football IQ allowed him to adapt to the technical demands of his new position.

Hjalte Froholdt Career

College Career (2015–2018)

Froholdt played 13 games at left guard during the 2016 season, marking his first full year as an offensive lineman. He continued his development in 2017, appearing in 12 games at left guard and achieving a remarkable accomplishment by not allowing a single sack throughout the entire season. His performance earned recognition within the conference.

In 2018, Froholdt showcased his positional flexibility by playing three games at center before moving back to left guard. His consistent play and leadership on the offensive line culminated in being named Second-team All-SEC, the highest conference honor of his collegiate career. After his senior season, Froholdt declared for the 2019 NFL Draft.

New England Patriots (2019–2020)

Froholdt was selected by the New England Patriots in the fourth round with the 118th overall pick in the 2019 NFL Draft. This selection made him only the second native of Denmark ever drafted by an NFL team, following in the footsteps of Hall of Fame kicker Morten Andersen. The Patriots clearly valued his technique, football intelligence, and the positional versatility he demonstrated at Arkansas.

His rookie season encountered obstacles when he sustained a shoulder injury during Week 4 of the preseason against the New York Giants. Froholdt was placed on injured reserve on August 31, 2019, ending his first professional season before it truly began. He worked diligently to recover and earn playing time in his second season with the team.

Houston Texans (2020–2021)

Froholdt’s time with the Patriots ended when he was waived on November 21, 2020. He was quickly claimed off waivers by the Houston Texans, providing him with an opportunity to continue his NFL career. Shortly after joining the Texans, he was placed on the reserve/COVID-19 list on December 17, 2020, and was activated on January 13, 2021. During the 2021 season, he was waived by the Texans on August 31 and re-signed to the practice squad, keeping him in the organization as depth along the offensive line.

Cleveland Browns (2021–2022)

On October 5, 2021, Froholdt was signed by the Cleveland Browns off the Texans’ practice squad. He appeared in games with the Browns throughout the latter portion of the 2021 season. He was waived in late November and re-signed to the practice squad before being elevated to the active roster as a COVID-19 replacement player on December 24, 2021. The Browns recognized his potential and signed him to a reserve/futures contract on January 10, 2022, securing his services for the following season.

Arizona Cardinals Era (2023–Present)

Froholdt joined the Arizona Cardinals on March 15, 2023, signing a two-year contract. He immediately earned the starting center role, being named the Week 1 starter and going on to start every game during the 2023 season. This consistent playing time represented a significant step forward in his professional career, demonstrating that he had developed into a reliable NFL starter.

His strong performance with the Cardinals led to a contract extension. On August 21, 2024, Froholdt signed a two-year extension with Arizona, securing his future with the organization and rewarding the consistency he had shown at the center position.

Playing Style and Strengths

Froholdt plays the center position, which requires exceptional awareness, communication skills, and technical proficiency. His background playing multiple positions along the offensive line gives him a comprehensive understanding of line play and the ability to make pre-snap reads. His experience at guard before settling at center provides him with the strength and footwork necessary to handle both interior pass rushers and run defense assignments.

Notable Events and Milestones

His journey from Denmark to the NFL represents a unique path in professional football. Becoming only the second Danish player ever drafted in NFL history established him as a pioneer for European football players aspiring to play in the league. The 2019 season-ending injury in his rookie year tested his resilience, and his subsequent ability to earn starting roles demonstrates his persistence and development as a professional athlete.

Hjalte Froholdt Career Statistics

Through his NFL career spanning from 2019 to the 2025 season, Froholdt has accumulated significant playing experience across four different franchises. His ability to earn starting roles with multiple organizations reflects his adaptability and consistent performance at the professional level.

NFL Career Highlights

Froholdt has played 82 games with 57 starts throughout his NFL career through the 2025 season. His most sustained success came with the Arizona Cardinals, where he earned the starting center role and started every game in his first two seasons with the team. His career arc shows a player who continuously worked to improve and earned increased responsibilities with each passing year.

Career Timeline

Froholdt began his professional journey with the New England Patriots in 2019, facing early adversity with a season-ending injury in his rookie year. He then played for the Houston Texans in 2020 and part of 2021 before joining the Cleveland Browns for the remainder of 2021 and the 2022 season. Since 2023, he has been a fixture on the Arizona Cardinals offensive line, earning a contract extension that keeps him with the team through the 2026 season.

Hjalte Froholdt Family

Family Background

Froholdt comes from Denmark and represents a rare example of European talent reaching the NFL. His early development in Danish football programs, including his time with the Svendborg Admirals and Søllerød Gold Diggers, demonstrates the growing international reach of American football and the pathways available to European players seeking to play at the highest level of the sport.

Personal Life

Froholdt is married to his wife, Ashley. The couple welcomed their first child, a daughter named Lucia Loloma, who was born in 2023. Froholdt announced the birth of his daughter via Instagram on August 23, 2023, sharing glimpses of his life outside of football with his followers. He maintains an active presence on social media, connecting with fans and sharing his journey as a professional athlete and father.

2025 Season Performance

Heading into the 2025 season, Froholdt enters his third year with the Arizona Cardinals and his second year under his extended contract. His consistent performance as the starting center has established him as a reliable anchor for the Cardinals’ offensive line. The team has built around his presence in the middle of their line, and his experience from playing with four different franchises provides valuable leadership and versatility to the roster.

The Cardinals’ coaching staff has shown continued confidence in Froholdt’s abilities, keeping him as a foundational piece of their offensive front. His communication skills and football knowledge make him valuable in calling out defensive schemes and adjusting protections at the line of scrimmage. The 2025 season presents an opportunity for Froholdt to continue his development and help lead the Cardinals’ offense as a respected NFL center.