During his time at Syracuse University, Zaire Franklin was a fan favorite. That trend is continuing for the linebacker in the pros.
Franklin knows how to make an impression.
“Speaking of physical, hello, Zaire Franklin,” the television announcer said after Franklin made a huge tackle for the Indianapolis Colts.
What You Need To Know
- Zaire Franklin was a three-time captain for the SU football team
- He was selected 235th overall by the Colts in 2018
- He’s stood out on and off the field, which is why he was picked as a captain last year
- This year for Indy he had his first blocked punt and his first career interception
“The more I believed in myself and put not only faith in myself but in God, things seem to work themselves out,” Franklin said.
He was a three-year captain at SU during a stretch where they went 15-33.
“When you’re going through adversity and tough times, it just taught me a lot about what it meant to be a leader, what it meant to stand up in the front and look men in the eye,” Franklin said.
Adversity is a word Zaire says often.
He’s gone through it. All his life.
“I got better not only as a player, but as a teammate, as a leader, as a man,” Franklin said.
A man who went from being the 235th overall pick in the 2018 NFL draft to one of the youngest captains in the National Football League.
“People don’t even watch the draft that long. It’s been a lot, man, a lot of hard work,” Franklin said.
Leading as captain is something he takes personally, like he did at Syracuse.
“Being a leader is something that is very important to me,” Franklin said. “I’m just thankful that I got the privilege of knowing that with that type of honor comes certain types of expectations.”
Franklin had a huge year for the Colts, recording his first blocked punt against Jacksonville.
“It’s like everything went quiet and I was in my own little tunnel vision,” Franklin said.
He followed that up with his first interception at Buffalo.
“Just having that moment and sharing that with my guys, and the fact that it was in Upstate New York made it a little more special,” Franklin said.
Indy’s playoff push came to a halt on Sunday. But Zaire Franklin is just getting started.
“Every day, I just focus on being the best version of myself. The best advice I ever got was to run your race, and that’s what I continue to try to do,” Franklin said.
Franklin is very involved in the community.
He started “Shelice’s Angels,” in honor of his late mother. Its focus is on helping young women in impoverished areas.
I LOVED catching up with @CuseFootball alum @ZiggySmalls_ today. We talked about his first blocked punt, his INT at Buffalo, being one of the youngest captains in the NFL, and so much more. After starting out 1-4, the Colts control their own destiny this week! @SPECNews1CNY pic.twitter.com/G6VEejzMRt
— Kate Callaway (@KateCallawayTV) January 6, 2022
