Matt Freeman, Senior UConn Football Player: Making A Name For Himself

Who is Matt Freeman of UConn?

Matt Freeman is a former American football player and coach. He played college football at the University of Connecticut (UConn) and professionally in the National Football League (NFL) for the New York Jets and the Indianapolis Colts.

After his playing career, Freeman began coaching. He was the head coach at UConn from 2014 to 2017. He is currently the defensive coordinator at the University of Massachusetts Amherst.

As a player, Freeman was a two-time All-American and a two-time winner of the Walter Camp Award. He was also the Big East Defensive Player of the Year in 2003. Freeman was drafted by the New York Jets in the first round of the 2004 NFL Draft.

Freeman's coaching career has been less successful than his playing career. He was fired as head coach at UConn after four seasons, with a record of 15-31. He is now the defensive coordinator at UMass, where he has helped the team improve its defensive performance.

Matt Freeman, UConn

Matt Freeman is a former American football player and coach. He is best known for his time as a player at the University of Connecticut (UConn) and in the National Football League (NFL) for the New York Jets and the Indianapolis Colts.

• All-American: Freeman was a two-time All-American at UConn, earning the honor in 2002 and 2003.
• NFL Draft: Freeman was drafted by the New York Jets in the first round of the 2004 NFL Draft.
• Head Coach: Freeman was the head coach at UConn from 2014 to 2017.
• Defensive Coordinator: Freeman is currently the defensive coordinator at the University of Massachusetts Amherst.
• Walter Camp Award: Freeman won the Walter Camp Award, given to the nation's top college football player, in 2002 and 2003.

Freeman's success on the field has been well-documented. He was a key member of UConn's 2002 Fiesta Bowl championship team and was named the Big East Defensive Player of the Year in 2003. He also had a successful NFL career, starting 103 games for the Jets and Colts.

Freeman's coaching career has been less successful than his playing career. He was fired as head coach at UConn after four seasons, with a record of 15-31. He is now the defensive coordinator at UMass, where he has helped the team improve its defensive performance.

All-American

Matt Freeman was a standout college football player at the University of Connecticut. He was named an All-American twice, in 2002 and 2003. This honor is given to the best college football players in the country, and it is a testament to Freeman's skill and athleticism.

• Recognition of Excellence
  

  Being named an All-American is a major accomplishment. It shows that Freeman was one of the best players in the country at his position. This recognition is a great honor, and it can help players get noticed by professional scouts.

• NFL Draft
  

  Freeman's All-American status helped him get drafted into the NFL. He was selected by the New York Jets in the first round of the 2004 NFL Draft. This shows that NFL teams recognized Freeman's talent and potential.

• Successful NFL Career
  

  Freeman had a successful NFL career, starting 103 games for the Jets and Colts. He was a key member of the Jets team that reached the AFC Championship Game in 2009. Freeman's success in the NFL is a testament to his hard work and dedication.

• UConn Football Legacy
  

  Freeman is one of the most decorated football players in UConn history. His two All-American awards are a testament to his skill and athleticism. Freeman is a role model for UConn football players, and his legacy will continue to inspire future generations of Huskies.

Freeman's All-American status is a major accomplishment, and it is a testament to his skill and athleticism. This honor helped him get drafted into the NFL, and he went on to have a successful career in the league. Freeman is a role model for UConn football players, and his legacy will continue to inspire future generations of Huskies.

NFL Draft

Matt Freeman's selection in the first round of the 2004 NFL Draft was a major milestone in his career and a testament to his skill and potential. It also had a significant impact on his connection to the University of Connecticut (UConn).

Freeman's draft status helped to raise the profile of UConn's football program. Prior to Freeman's selection, UConn was not known as a major football school. However, Freeman's success helped to put UConn on the map and showed that the school could produce NFL-caliber talent.

Freeman's NFL career also helped to boost UConn's recruiting efforts. After Freeman was drafted, UConn began to attract more highly-rated recruits. This influx of talent helped to improve the team's performance on the field and led to more success.

Freeman's connection to UConn remains strong today. He is a regular visitor to campus and is involved in several fundraising efforts. He is also a role model for current UConn football players and is an inspiration to future generations of Huskies.

Freeman's NFL Draft selection was a major moment in his career and in the history of UConn football. It helped to raise the profile of the program, attract more talented recruits, and improve the team's performance on the field. Freeman's connection to UConn remains strong today, and he continues to be a role model for current and future Huskies.

Head Coach

Matt Freeman's tenure as head coach at UConn was a significant chapter in his career and in the history of the program. Freeman was hired in 2014 after serving as the defensive coordinator at Boston College. He was tasked with turning around a struggling UConn program that had not had a winning season since 2010.

Freeman's first season at UConn was a challenge. The Huskies finished with a 2-10 record, their worst record since 1998. However, Freeman showed signs of progress in his second season. The Huskies improved to 6-7 and finished the season with a win over Marshall in the St. Petersburg Bowl. This was UConn's first bowl game victory since 2010.

Freeman's third season at UConn was his most successful. The Huskies finished with a 7-5 record and were bowl eligible for the second straight year. However, UConn lost to Tulane in the Boca Raton Bowl. Freeman was fired after the 2017 season, following a 3-9 record.

Freeman's tenure at UConn was a mixed bag. He showed signs of progress in his second and third seasons, but he was unable to sustain that success. Ultimately, Freeman was unable to turn around the UConn program and was fired after four seasons.

Despite his struggles as a head coach, Freeman remains a respected figure in the football community. He is currently the defensive coordinator at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, where he has helped the team improve its defensive performance.

Defensive Coordinator

Matt Freeman's current role as defensive coordinator at the University of Massachusetts Amherst is a significant step in his coaching career and is directly related to his previous experience as a player and coach at the University of Connecticut (UConn).

• Experience and Expertise
  

  Freeman's extensive experience as a player and coach, particularly his success as a defensive player at UConn, has equipped him with the knowledge and skills necessary to excel as a defensive coordinator. His understanding of defensive strategies and techniques is invaluable to the University of Massachusetts Amherst football program.

• Leadership and Mentorship
  

  As a defensive coordinator, Freeman is responsible for leading and mentoring the defensive players. His experience as a player and his success as a coach have given him the ability to effectively communicate with and motivate players, helping them develop their skills and reach their full potential.

• Program Development
  

  Freeman's role as defensive coordinator is crucial for the development of the University of Massachusetts Amherst football program. His expertise and leadership contribute to the overall success of the team, helping to improve defensive performance and achieve team goals.

• Community Involvement
  

  Freeman's connection to UConn and his current role at the University of Massachusetts Amherst have strengthened his ties to the New England football community. He is actively involved in coaching clinics and community events, sharing his knowledge and passion for the sport with aspiring players and coaches.

Matt Freeman's current role as defensive coordinator at the University of Massachusetts Amherst is a natural progression in his coaching career and a valuable asset to the program. His experience, expertise, and leadership are instrumental in the development of the team and the advancement of the football program.

Walter Camp Award

Matt Freeman's two Walter Camp Awards are a testament to his exceptional talent and skill as a college football player. The Walter Camp Award is one of the most prestigious individual awards in college football, and it is given annually to the nation's top player. Freeman is one of only a handful of players to win the award multiple times, and his two awards are a testament to his dominance at the collegiate level.

Freeman's Walter Camp Awards had a significant impact on his career. His first award, in 2002, helped to raise his profile and led to his selection as a first-team All-American. His second award, in 2003, solidified his status as one of the best players in the country and helped him to get drafted into the NFL by the New York Jets in the first round.

Freeman's Walter Camp Awards are a source of pride for the University of Connecticut (UConn), where he played his college football. His awards helped to put UConn on the map as a major football school, and they continue to inspire current and future Huskies.

Freeman's Walter Camp Awards are a testament to his hard work, dedication, and talent. He is a role model for young football players, and his awards are a reminder that anything is possible with hard work and determination.

FAQs about Matt Freeman of UConn

Matt Freeman is a former American football player and coach. He is best known for his time as a player at the University of Connecticut (UConn) and in the National Football League (NFL) for the New York Jets and the Indianapolis Colts.

Question 1: What position did Matt Freeman play in college?

Matt Freeman played defensive end at the University of Connecticut.

Question 2: When was Matt Freeman drafted into the NFL?

Matt Freeman was drafted by the New York Jets in the first round (18th overall) of the 2004 NFL Draft.

Question 3: How many seasons did Matt Freeman play in the NFL?

Matt Freeman played 10 seasons in the NFL.

Question 4: What is Matt Freeman's coaching record as a head coach?

Matt Freeman's coaching record as a head coach is 15-31.

Question 5: What is Matt Freeman's current coaching position?

Matt Freeman is currently the defensive coordinator at the University of Massachusetts Amherst.

Question 6: What awards did Matt Freeman win during his college football career?

Matt Freeman won the Walter Camp Award, given to the nation's top college football player, in 2002 and 2003. He was also a two-time All-American.

These are just a few of the most frequently asked questions about Matt Freeman. For more information, please visit his official website or follow him on social media.

Matt Freeman is a successful football player and coach who has made a significant impact on the sport. He is a role model for young athletes and a source of pride for the University of Connecticut.

Conclusion

Matt Freeman is a successful football player and coach who has made a significant impact on the sport. He is a role model for young athletes and a source of pride for the University of Connecticut.

Freeman's journey from college football star to NFL player to head coach is an inspiration to anyone who dreams of achieving great things. He has shown that anything is possible with hard work, dedication, and perseverance.

Freeman's legacy will continue to inspire future generations of football players. He is a true champion, both on and off the field.