Johnathan Franklin to retire because of neck injury
Johnathan Franklin’s NFL career is over after just 11 games.
The Green Bay Packers said Thursday that Franklin won’t be back with the team next season because of a neck injury. Franklin also confirmed over Twitter that he was not cleared to play or resume his NFL career.
— Johnathan Franklin (@JFrank2308) June 19, 2014
Franklin was a fourth-round pick by the Packers last year despite being one of the most talented backs in the draft. He struggled with some injuries and then was knocked out for the season with a neck injury suffered in Week 12.
Franklin went down in the record books as the career rushing leader at UCLA. He rushed for 4,403 yards and 31 touchdowns during his four-year career, and he added 517 receiving yards and 3 receiving touchdowns. He rushed for an impressive 1,734 yards in his senior season.
Though Franklin’s career ending so abruptly is no doubt disappointing for him and the Packers, he still has a lot left to accomplish. Known as a personable, engaging and affable man during his time at UCLA and Green Bay, Franklin is a social activist and has expressed interest in becoming the mayor of Los Angeles, his home city. Now it’s time for him to embark on his second career.
