Nicholas Petit-Frere

Nicholas Petit-Frere Bio

Nicholas Petit-Frere is an American professional football offensive tackle who was born on September 15, 1999, in Port St. Lucie, Florida. He played college football at Ohio State University from 2018 to 2021, where he established himself as one of the top offensive linemen in the country. Petit-Frere was drafted by the Tennessee Titans in the third round (69th overall) of the 2022 NFL Draft and has competed at the highest level of professional football throughout his career. After three seasons with the Titans organization, he signed with the San Francisco 49ers in May 2025.

Early Life and Background

Petit-Frere grew up in Tampa, Florida, where he attended Berkeley Preparatory School. During his time at Berkeley Prep, he excelled at both football and basketball, demonstrating athletic versatility that would serve him well in his football career. Of Haitian descent through his father, Petit-Frere worked diligently to develop his skills on the offensive line during his formative years.

His performance at Berkeley Preparatory School caught the attention of major college programs across the country. Considered a five-star recruit coming out of high school, Petit-Frere fielded scholarship offers from several powerhouse programs, including Alabama and the University of Florida. Ultimately, he chose to continue his academic and athletic career at Ohio State University.

Path to the NFL

Petit-Frere enrolled at Ohio State in 2018 and immediately began his journey toward professional football. He redshirted his true freshman season, using that year to adapt to the increased competition and develop his technique at the collegiate level. This patient approach allowed him to build a strong foundation for his future success.

As a redshirt freshman in 2019, Petit-Frere appeared in all 14 of Ohio State’s games, earning his first significant playing time with one start. His progression continued rapidly, and by his redshirt sophomore season in 2020, he had become a cornerstone of the Buckeyes offensive line. During the COVID-19-shortened season, he started all seven games and earned second-team All-Big Ten honors, solidifying his status as one of the conference’s top linemen.

His standout performance in 2020 paved the way for an impressive junior season in 2021. Petit-Frere elevated his game to an elite level, earning first-team All-Big Ten recognition and second-team All-American honors. On December 27, 2021, he announced his decision to opt out of the 2022 Rose Bowl and enter the NFL Draft, concluding his Ohio State career as one of the most decorated offensive tackles in school history.

Nicholas Petit-Frere Career

Pre-Draft Process (2022)

Leading up to the 2022 NFL Draft, Petit-Frere received an invitation to the NFL Scouting Combine, where he showcased his physical tools among the top prospects in his class. He measured in at 6 feet 5 inches and 316 pounds, demonstrating the size necessary for the professional level. At the combine, he performed 24 repetitions on the bench press, displaying the strength that would serve him well against NFL defensive linemen.

Draft analysts projected Petit-Frere as a second-round or third-round pick following the pre-draft process. He was ranked as the sixth-best offensive tackle prospect in his draft class, behind several other highly-touted prospects including Evan Neal, Ikem Ekwonu, Charles Cross, Bernhard Raimann, and Trevor Penning.

Tennessee Titans Era (2022–2024)

Petit-Frere was selected by the Tennessee Titans with the 69th overall pick in the third round of the 2022 NFL Draft. Heading into his first training camp, he immediately earned the starting right tackle position, lining up opposite established left tackle Taylor Lewan. This rapid ascent demonstrated the confidence the Titans coaching staff had in his abilities.

Petit-Frere made his NFL debut and first career start in Week 1 of the 2022 season against the New York Giants. He maintained his hold on the starting right tackle job throughout his rookie campaign, appearing in 16 games with 16 starts. He missed only one game (Week 17) due to an ankle injury. Over the course of his rookie season, he played 97 percent of the team’s offensive snaps, allowed five sacks, and committed eight penalties. Pro Football Focus awarded him a 52.3 grade for his inaugural NFL season.

Prior to the 2023 season, Petit-Frere faced a significant setback when he was suspended for six games by the NFL for violating the league’s gambling policy. He returned to action after Week 6 and appeared in three games before being placed on injured reserve on November 11, 2023, which ended his season prematurely.

The 2024 season brought additional challenges and changes for Petit-Frere. He began the year as the starting right tackle but was moved to third string on the depth chart in Week 6, behind Leroy Watson and Jaelyn Duncan, after struggling with too many pressures allowed. However, circumstances shifted when both Watson and Duncan sustained season-ending injuries. Petit-Frere returned to the starting lineup in Week 11 and held the position through the remainder of the season. In total, he appeared in 15 games with ten starts, participating in 65 percent of the team’s offensive snaps.

On April 17, 2025, the Tennessee Titans waived Petit-Frere, bringing his three-season tenure with the organization to an end. Over his time with the Titans, he played in 34 games with 28 starts.

San Francisco 49ers (2025)

Following his release from Tennessee, Petit-Frere signed with the San Francisco 49ers on May 9, 2025, on a one-year contract. The move represented an opportunity for him to compete for a roster spot with a franchise known for its strong offensive line tradition. However, on June 3, 2025, the 49ers waived Petit-Frere, making him an unrestricted free agent.

Playing Style and Strengths

Petit-Frere possesses the prototypical size and length for an NFL offensive tackle at 6 feet 5 inches and 316 pounds. His experience at Ohio State, where he faced elite competition in Big Ten play, prepared him for the physical demands of professional football. His versatility to play both left and right tackle provides value to any offensive line unit, and his collegiate production (34 games played, 28 starts through 2025) demonstrates his ability to stay on the field at a high level.

Notable Events and Milestones

Among Petit-Frere’s most significant career moments are his collegiate All-American selection in 2021, his NFL debut against the New York Giants in 2022, and his resilience in returning from both a suspension and injuries during his time with the Titans. His selection in the third round of the 2022 NFL Draft represented the culmination of years of development that began at Berkeley Preparatory School and continued through his decorated career at Ohio State.

Nicholas Petit-Frere Career Wins and Accolades

Across his collegiate and professional career, Petit-Frere has accumulated notable achievements and statistics that reflect his impact on the offensive line. His accomplishments span both his time at Ohio State and his early NFL seasons.

College Highlights

During his four seasons at Ohio State from 2018 to 2021, Petit-Frere established himself as one of the premier offensive tackles in the Big Ten Conference. His second-team All-Big Ten selection as a redshirt sophomore in 2020 marked his emergence as an elite college player. He followed that with his most decorated season in 2021, earning first-team All-Big Ten and second-team All-American honors while starting every game for a Buckeyes team that competed at the highest level of college football.

Professional Career Statistics

In his first three NFL seasons with the Tennessee Titans, Petit-Frere appeared in 34 games with 28 starts. His rookie season in 2022 saw him start all 16 games in which he appeared, playing a significant role on an NFL offensive line. His ability to earn significant playing time quickly at the professional level speaks to the foundation he built during his college career.

Family and Background

Family Background and Heritage

Nicholas Petit-Frere is of Haitian descent through his father, connecting him to a rich cultural heritage. His family background has been a source of pride throughout his football journey, and his path to professional football has been shaped by the values instilled in him during his upbringing in the Tampa Bay area of Florida.

Personal Life

Petit-Frere attended Berkeley Preparatory School in Tampa, Florida, where he balanced academics with athletics, participating in both football and basketball. His commitment to Ohio State after considering offers from other major programs demonstrated the careful decision-making skills he applied both on and off the field. He continues to engage with fans through his Instagram presence.

2025 Season Performance

The 2025 season began with a new chapter for Petit-Frere as he joined the San Francisco 49ers organization in May. The move to San Francisco represented an opportunity to compete for playing time with a franchise that has historically prioritized strong offensive line play. He participated in the team’s offseason activities and minicamps as he worked to earn a roster spot.

However, his tenure with the 49ers was brief, as the team waived him on June 3, 2025. This placed Petit-Frere back on the free agent market, where he continues to seek an opportunity with an NFL team. His combination of size, experience (34 career NFL games), and collegiate success at Ohio State makes him a viable candidate for teams seeking offensive line depth.

Throughout his career, Petit-Frere has demonstrated resilience in overcoming adversity, including his return from a suspension and injury setbacks with the Titans. As he continues his professional journey, he remains focused on showcasing the skills that made him a five-star recruit, a two-time All-Big Ten selection, and a third-round NFL Draft pick.