by Michael Bonts
Special to Realty/Builder Connection
Construction takes teamwork.
A fact not lost on former Jacksonville Jaguars defensive end Paul Frase. After his playing days in the NFL, Frase returned to Jacksonville. He opened Paul Frase Homes, joined the Northeast Florida Builders Association and now builds custom homes in Northeast Florida.
Originally from Maine, Frase grew up working in construction before going to college and playing at Syracuse.
“We are very fortunate to have a healthy housing market here in Jacksonville,” said Frase, who is building a home for former Jaguars teammate Joel Smeenge. “Our economy is diversified enough to weather economic turmoil.”
The latest single-family building permits information backs that up. Last year a record 10,600 single-family building permits were issued in Duval, Nassau, Clay and St. Johns counties.
“We’re expecting another strong year, maybe not as big as last, but still a busy one,” he said.
One of the reasons Frase returned to Jacksonville was the medical resources for his son. Joshua Frase was born on Feb. 2, 1995.
At the time of birth, his muscles were so weak that he could flex only his right hand and his lungs could barely draw the air that he needed to breathe. Paul and Alison Frase were told that he may not survive the day.
When Joshua was three months old, a muscle biopsy revealed myotubular myopathy, a muscle disorder. Tragically, only 50 percent of the children born with Joshua’s disorder live to the age of two. Fewer still survive past their early school years.
Frase knows what it means to be a survivor after an 11-year career in the NFL.
The 6-foot-5 defensive lineman has endured his share of setbacks but has always found the courage to battle back. In his third pro-season with the New York Jets, Frase was diagnosed with Graves disease, a weakening condition that causes severe weight loss. But Frase refused to give up. His teammates honored him with the Ed Block Courage Award for his triumphant comeback.
In 1995 Frase was chosen in the expansion draft by the Jaguars, just days after Joshua’s birth. But sadness ensued as Joshua was diagnosed with congenital myopathy just three months later. The struggle of a lifetime began. Later in that 1995 season, Frase received the Ed Block Courage award for an unprecedented second time in the 18-year history of the award.
Frase needed no more trials, but he was dealt one more. Paul was traded to Green Bay, and after his eighth game as a Packer a herniated disk forced him to undergo back surgery.
Remarkably, he recovered quickly enough to play in both playoff games and join his teammates at the 1998 Super Bowl.
Defensive end Jeff Lageman played the past eight seasons with Frase.
Lageman and Frase spent the six years together with the Jets and the two together with the Jaguars. At that time only eight active NFL tandems have been together longer than Lageman and Frase’s eight seasons
Frase also works on behalf of the industry to bring young people into the construction trades. Recently he took part in Magnet Mania, talking to parents and eight-graders about attending A. Philip Randolph Construction Academy.
Students and parents attending Magnet Mania at the Jacksonville Fairgrounds had an opportunity to find out studying and pursuing a career in the construction industry at the academy.
“A lot of eighth graders and their parents came by the A. Philip Randolph Construction Academy display and booth and learned more about what is being offered at the school,” said Laura Laseman, Northeast Florida Builders Association training director.
The academy offered plenty of information about their program. They can also a first-hand view from teachers, craftsmen and builders.
Frase talked to parents and students about a career in the construction industry and attending the academy.
“A lot of students and parents are not aware of what the construction academy can offer and how it can be a great jump-start to a rewarding career,” said Frase.
Frase worked in the construction industry before his NFL career. He’s currently building in Deerwood.
“Paul lives here and is very active in the community and industry. He understands the importance of developing a quality workforce for our industry at an early age,” said Jonny Moore, NEFBA training vice president.
(Michael Bonts is communications director for the Northeast Florida Builders Association.).