2024: Franklin Jr. appeared in 10 games with the Panthers, recording eight special teams tackles in 241 special teams snaps… Started season on Injured Reserve and made season debut at Den. (10/27)… Recorded a career high four special teams stops vs. K.C. (11/24).
2023: Franklin Jr. played in all 17 games (4 starts) for Carolina, recording 23 tackles, one interception (99 yds., 1 TD), three passes defensed and a team-high seven special teams stops on 289 defensive snaps and 313 special teams snaps… Recorded five tackles (2 solo) and one pass defensed at Sea. (9/24)… Intercepted Vikings QB Kirk Cousins and returned it 99 yards for a touchdown, the first of his career, vs. Minnesota (10/1)… 99-yard return touchdown marked the longest interception returned for a touchdown in franchise history... Set a career high with eight tackles (7 solo) at Det. (10/8).
2022: Franklin Jr. saw action in all 17 games (1 start) and totaled seven tackles (6 solo), one forced fumble and 13 special teams stops in 88 defensive snaps and 359 special teams snaps.
2021: Franklin Jr. appeared in 16 games for Carolina, recording 15 tackles (13 solo), one pass defensed and nine special teams tackles in 153 defensive snaps and 258 special teams snaps.
2020: Franklin Jr. played in 14 games (4 starts) for the Panthers, recording 22 tackles (15 solo), one sack (5 yds.), one pass defensed and one special teams tackle on 248 defensive snaps and 156 special teams snaps played… Made NFL debut vs. L.V. (9/13).
COLLEGE: Franklin Jr. played in 53 games over four years at Temple University (2016-19), accumulating 194 career tackles, 24 tackles for loss, eight sacks, two interceptions, 10 passes defensed and two touchdowns… As a senior in 2019, played in 13 games and was named second-team All-AAC after recording 68 tackles, one sack, 7.5 tackles for loss, one interception and three fumble recoveries… As a junior in 2018, played in 13 games and tallied 63 tackles, seven tackles for loss, three sacks, one interception, one forced fumble and one fumble recovery… As a sophomore in 2017, appeared in 13 games and recorded 59 tackles, four sacks, 9.5 tackles for loss and six passes defensed… As a freshman in 2016, played in all 14 games and tallied four tackles.
PERSONAL: Franklin Jr. played one season at East Coast Prep following high school… Attended Citrus (Inverness, Fla.) High School, playing wide receiver and defensive back… As a senior, recorded 24 receptions for 423 yards and two touchdowns while rushing 47 times for 326 yards and three touchdowns… For career, recorded 47 receptions for 932 yards and seven touchdowns on offense with 79 tackles (45 solo) and three interceptions on defense… Also competed in basketball… Sam Franklin Jr. was born in Crystal River, Fla. on Feb. 2, 1996.
TRANSACTIONS: Signed by Carolina as a college free agent 5/2/20; Re-signed by Carolina 4/24/23; Re-signed by Carolina 3/27/24; Signed by Denver 4/11/25.
