Irving Fryar

Irving Dale Fryar (born September 28, 1962) is a former American college and professional football player who was a wide receiver in the National Football League (NFL) for seventeen seasons. Fryar played college football for the University of Nebraska, and was recognized as an All-American. He was selected with the first overall pick of the 1984 NFL Draft, becoming the first wide receiver to be taken number one overall, and played professionally for the New England Patriots, Miami Dolphins, Philadelphia Eagles, and Washington Redskins of the NFL.

Early years
Fryar grew up in Mount Holly Township, New Jersey and played high school football at Rancocas Valley Regional High School.

College career
An All-American for the University of Nebraska in 1983, Fryar played alongside Heisman Trophy winner Mike Rozier (running back) and Heisman finalist Turner Gill (quarterback).


 * 1981: 7 carries for 26 yards and 1 TD. 3 catches for 70 yards and 1 TD.
 * 1982: 20 carries for 245 yards and 2 TD. 24 catches for 346 yards and 2 TD.
 * 1983: 23 carries for 318 yards and 2 TD. 40 catches for 780 yards and 5 TD.

Professional career
Fryar was the first wide receiver to be drafted first overall in the NFL Draft when the New England Patriots made him the top selection of the 1984 NFL Draft.

Fryar played in Super Bowl XX with the Patriots and scored their only touchdown in their 46-10 loss to the Chicago Bears. He played a total of 255 games in his career and made the Pro Bowl five times (1985, 1993, 1994, 1996 and 1997). Fryar retired from the NFL in 2001 after completing 17 NFL seasons. During that time, he caught 851 passes for 12,785 yards and 84 touchdowns, along with one rushing and three punt return touchdowns. He also gained 242 rushing yards, 2,055 yards returning punts, 505 yards on kickoff returns, and 7 fumble return yards, giving him 15,594 all-purpose yards.

Fryar's 255 played games are the most ever for a New Jersey born player.

Personal
Fryar resides in the Jobstown section of Springfield Township, Burlington County, New Jersey. His son, Londen Fryar, played cornerback for the New York Giants after a collegiate career at Western Michigan University.

In 2003, Fryar founded New Jerusalem House of God and serves as their pastor. They held their first service on Sunday, June 8, 2003 at The Burlington County Institute of Technology in Westampton, NJ where they held services for 1 year. From there, they moved to Joey's Catering in Burlington, NJ and held services there for 2 years. In April of 2006, under the leadership of Pastor Fryar, New Jerusalem House of God acquired and moved into their own building located at 400 Washington Street in Mt. Holly, NJ where they continue to worship and serve the surrounding community.

On Saturday, June 9, 2012, Pastor Fryar graduated from The North Carolina College of Theology in Wilmington, NC with a doctorate of Philosophy in Theology. In September of 2012, Dr. Fryar will begin his tenure as the Professor of Philosopy and Sports Management at Union County College in Cranford, NJ. In addition, in September 2012, New Jerusalem House of God will establish themselves as The Burlington County School of Theology and will offer a course of theological studies. Graduates of the school will be able to obtain Associates, Bachelors, Masters, and Doctorate degrees. The school will be accredited through The North Carolina College of Theology and Dr. Fryar will serve as the President.

NFL records

 * Touchdown receptions from 19 different passers
 * Consecutive seasons with 10+ receptions - 17 (1984–2000)
 * Consecutive seasons with 150+ receiving yards - 17 (1984–2000)
 * Consecutive seasons with 2+ touchdown receptions - 16 (1985–2000)
 * Consecutive seasons with 2+ touchdowns - 16 (1985–2000) - tied with Marcus Allen
 * 1st player to record a touchdown reception in 17 consecutive seasons (1984–2000) - (broken by Jerry Rice who ended up with 20 consecutive seasons with a TD reception)
 * Oldest player to score 4 touchdowns (all receptions) in a single game (10/20/1996) - 34 years, 22 days
 * 2nd most receiving yards in a half - 211 (2nd half, Sept. 5, 1994) (Steve Largent had 224 in the 1st half against replacement players in 1987)