It’s been a long, long road for John Franklin III, best known as a star of Netflix’s Last Chance U, but he’s finally made it to the NFL as a member of the Chicago Bears.
Franklin, who was a quarterback at Florida State before converting to wide receiver at Florida State and FAU, was signed by the Bears as an undrafted free agent to be a defensive back. He made the announcement that Chicago is his new home Sunday on Twitter.
Chi Town for a new home 🤔. I love it 🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾
— John Franklin III (@jf3_5) May 13, 2018
JJ Stankevitz of NBC Sports Sports Chicago shortly afterward confirmed that Franklin has been signed by the Bears after trying out during the team’s rookie minicamp.
John Franklin, the former Florida State QB, Auburn WR and star of Last Chance U is now signed with the #Bears after trying out as a defensive back during rookie minicamp: https://t.co/yCCx7oDGws
— JJ Stankevitz (@JJStankevitz) May 13, 2018
Franklin is a tremendous athlete, to be sure. We saw some of his exploits this past season at Florida Atlantic, even if it was tainted by some poor judgement at the end during one of his big plays.
Hopefully Franklin continues to pursue his dream as his story plays out. He once considered calling the game of football quits during his stint at junior college, but his persistence has paid off in a big way with his first NFL contract.
