From Last Chance U to Super Bowl champion: the journey of John Franklin III
In short: John Franklin III has navigated a winding path through college football, Netflix fame, and the NFL. Known for his explosive speed and position versatility, he transitioned from quarterback to wide receiver, eventually securing a Super Bowl ring with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers despite a career defined by constant movement and adaptation.
Born on September 21, 1994, John Franklin III began his college career at Florida State, where he redshirted in 2013 and witnessed the team's 2014 BCS National Championship victory. Seeking more playing time, he transferred to East Mississippi Community College. His tenure there became a focal point of the 2016 Netflix series Last Chance U, which documented the 2015 season. During that year, Franklin showcased his dual-threat capability, throwing for 733 yards and rushing for 451 yards, averaging 10.5 yards per carry.
Franklin's professional trajectory was marked by frequent transitions. After stints at Auburn and Florida Atlantic, where he displayed his speed with a 4.40-second 40-yard dash, he entered the NFL as an undrafted free agent with the Chicago Bears in 2018. His career path remained unconventional; he moved between practice squads and active rosters, eventually joining the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. In 2021, he achieved the pinnacle of professional football by winning a Super Bowl with the team, though he did not record a snap during that season.
The later stages of his career saw him navigating various leagues, including the USFL with the Tampa Bay Bandits and the Memphis Showboats, and eventually the CFL with the Edmonton Elks in 2024. Throughout these years, Franklin faced challenges ranging from roster cuts and injuries to a 2021 suspension for misrepresenting his COVID-19 vaccination status. His journey reflects the volatile nature of professional sports, where athletes must constantly reinvent their roles and adapt to new environments to remain in the game.
Beyond the field, Franklin's story is one of persistent transition. From his early days as a backup quarterback to his eventual role as a wide receiver, he has played for multiple collegiate programs and professional franchises. His career serves as a testament to the unpredictable nature of professional athletics, where a player's path is rarely linear and often defined by the ability to pivot between roles and leagues.
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