Georgia OL Monroe Freeling announces NFL Draft decision
By Andrew Olson
Published:
After 3 seasons at Georgia, Monroe Freeling has decided to go pro. Freeling took to social media on Monday to announce that he has declared for the 2026 NFL Draft.
“I am blessed to have had the chance to live out a dream, to play this game I love in the SEC and represent the Red and Black between the hedges. I’m deeply grateful for every moment I’ve had in Athens,” Freeling wrote in a note posted to social media, thanking Kirby Smart and others for a memorable 3 years in Athens.
“From that first day walking into the facility, the brutal offseason workouts, to bloody Tuesdays, the late nights in the film room, and the electricity of Saturdays in Sanford, these years in Athens have given me memories I’ll hold onto for the rest of my life.
“To Coach Smart, Searles, Bobo, and the rest of the amazing staff, thank you for believing in me, pushing me, and holding me to a standard that changed me as a player and as a man.
“To my Mom and Dad, your sacrifices, love, and belief in me long before anyone knew my name are the reason I’m even in this position. And to my three brothers, thank you for being my first teammates, my toughest critics, and my biggest supporters every step of the way.
“To all of my past and present teammates, nothing will ever break the bond we’ve created. I’m a DGD for life, and I love y’all. After much prayer and reflection, I’ve made the difficult decision to forgo my senior season and declare for the 2026 NFL Draft.”
Freeling went from making 8 appearances as a reserve in 2023 to starting 4 games in 2024 to becoming a regular starter in 2025, earning second-team All-SEC recognition from the conference coaches. He was also named SEC Offensive Lineman of the Week following UGA’s wins over Auburn and Texas.
Andrew writes about sports to fund his love of live music and collection of concert posters. He strongly endorses the Hall of Fame campaigns of Fred Taylor and Andruw Jones.
