Concussion sidelines Danish NFL standout Hjalte Froholdt, ends 60-game starting streak

Danish center Hjalte Froholdt will miss his first game since joining the Arizona Cardinals in 2023 after failing to clear concussion protocol ahead of Sunday’s National Football League (NFL) matchup against the Los Angeles Rams.

The 28-year-old offensive lineman had started all 60 possible games for Arizona since signing as a free agent, establishing himself as one of the team’s most dependable players.

Concussion ends impressive streak

Froholdt’s absence forces a reshuffle along the Cardinals’ offensive line, with Hayden Conner expected to take over at center.

Arizona will also be without offensive lineman Jon Gaines II, who has been ruled out with an ankle injury.

The injuries present another challenge for the Cardinals as they prepare to face a Rams team looking to keep them winless.

From Denmark to the NFL

The 6-foot-5, 310-pound native of Svendborg, Denmark, began his football career with the Søllerød Gold Diggers in the Danish National League before moving to the United States as an exchange student in 2013.

After playing college football at Arkansas, he was selected by the New England Patriots in the fourth round of the 2019 NFL Draft.

Following stints with the Houston Texans and Cleveland Browns, Froholdt joined Arizona in 2023 and quickly established himself as the starting center.

His durability and consistent performances subsequently earned him a two-year contract extension.