After a strong career as a wide receiver at the University of Missouri, the Tigers star became a fourth round choice of the Kansas City Chiefs in the 2008 NFL Draft. The hope was that the local product would continue to produce at the next level. Alas, it was not to be. Franklin didn't last long in the NFL after playing in 13 games his rookie season. Now he's been traded to the Bloomington Edge in the Arena Football League. At the very least, his straightline speed is something that's still impressing coaches.
"He’s explosive," Edge coach Kenton Carr said of Franklin, noting a 4.3-second time in the 40-yard dash. "That caliber of player you can’t pass up on. It shows you the type of talent we have in this league now."
After being cut by the Chiefs, Franklin caught on with the Oakland Raiders and Detroit Lions in 2009. He joined the Arena League in 2010. The Edge play in Bloomington, Illinois and were known as the Extreme until this season.