On Sunday, Beech Grove High School Alumnus Josh Fryar will take the field for his first regular season game as an NFL pro offensive lineman. If you had the pleasure of knowing Josh during his high school years or through his college success, you would agree that few are more deserving, given his work ethic, mindset, and ability to control his patience. However, earning his place on the Arizona Cardinals’ roster was not without its challenges, setbacks, and moments of uncertainty. Work ethic At Ohio State, Josh was redshirted as a freshman. He did not take up permanent residency on the starting O-line until his fourth season. For most, that might have led to frustration or sent them looking for more playing time with a different organization. Josh trusted Ohio State Football’s motto of “We make players.” Josh kept improving and using reps to refine his talents. He knew that versatility on the offensive line was his strength. During the 2022 season, he started seeing more playing time and made an appearance in all thirteen games for OSU. During the 2023 season Fryar earned his spot as a starting tackle and became a fixture on the O-line for OSU for his final two years. Fryar had 29 consecutive starts and started in all 16 games of his final season with OSU. However, even after winning the National Championship during his fifth season with the Ohio State Buckeyes, Josh narrowly missed out on the votes needed to be invited to the NFL Combine. Patience Josh wasn’t ready to be done with football. He is quoted as saying that missing out on the combine just added “fuel to the fire.” He took that underdog mentality, grit, and determination to Ft. Myers, Florida to continue his training at X3 Performance and Physical Therapy. That two and a half month focused investment paid off in a stellar performance at Ohio State’s Pro Day. According to an article by Jess Root with Cards Wire, “[Fryar] ran the 40 in 5.07 seconds. He posted a 4.75-second short shuttle and a 7.69-second three-cone. He posted a 34-inch vertical leap and a broad jump of 8-foot-11.” With that performance, Fryar eyed the NFL draft. Unfortunately, as the rounds passed by, Fryar’s name would not be called. Mindset “Control the controllables and everything will fall in its place,” said Fryar in an article posted on the Arizona Cardinals website by Zach Gershman. Control the controllables he did. Fryar would soon find himself alongside former Ohio State lineman coach Justin Frye who was recently hired by the Arizona Cardinals. Coach Frye understood what Josh could bring to the Cardinals organization. Fryar, controlling the controllables, fought his way through training camp and earned a spot on the 53 man roster – a feat experienced by less than 2% of collegiate football players. Josh Fryar is a case study on what it takes to play at the highest level. Nobody gets to enjoy the highest peaks without spending some time in valleys. Back home in Indianapolis, the Fryar family will raise the Arizona Cardinals flag outside their house before Josh’s first game against the New Orleans Saints. His parents will text him the simple words of encouragement to go out there and ‘Do what you do!' Josh will understand exactly what this means. Everything else will fall into place. Hornet Nation is behind you Josh! Good luck and soak it in! Beech Grove Athletics