John Franklin-myers has established himself as a consistent and impactful defensive end in the National Football League (NFL). Entering his seventh year in the league, Franklin-Myers has played in 81 regular season games and three postseason contests, showcasing his durability and talent. Across his career with the Los Angeles Rams (2018) and New York Jets (2019-2023), he has accumulated impressive statistics, including 135 tackles, 19.5 sacks, and a range of other impactful defensive plays.
Franklin-Myers’s journey to the NFL began at Stephen F. Austin State University, where he honed his skills and caught the attention of professional scouts. Selected by the Rams in the fourth round of the 2018 NFL Draft, he quickly transitioned to the professional level, demonstrating his capabilities as a pass rusher and run defender.
Early Career and Rise with the Jets
After being drafted by the Rams, John Franklin-Myers played in all 16 games during his rookie season in 2018. He contributed with 10 tackles and 2 sacks, providing a glimpse of his potential. In 2019, after a brief stint on waivers, Franklin-Myers found a home with the New York Jets. It was with the Jets that he truly began to flourish, seeing increased playing time and responsibility.
During the 2020 season, John Franklin-Myers played in 15 games, starting in two. This season marked a significant step up in production as he recorded 19 tackles, 3 sacks, and 2 forced fumbles. His role continued to expand, and in 2021, he achieved a career-high six sacks, alongside 35 tackles and his first NFL interception. This performance solidified his position as a key defensive player for the Jets.
Continued Success and Consistent Performance
The 2022 and 2023 seasons saw John Franklin-Myers maintain a high level of play and consistency. In 2022, he started all 17 games, registering a career-high 38 tackles and 5 sacks. He followed this up in 2023 with another 17 starts, contributing 33 tackles and 3.5 sacks. Notably, in 2023, he also recorded a career-best three passes defensed, showcasing his versatility and ability to impact the game in multiple ways. His consistent presence on the defensive line was a key factor in the Jets’ defensive rankings, as the team consistently ranked high in yards allowed per play and passing defense during his tenure.
College Career at Stephen F. Austin
Before his NFL career, John Franklin-Myers was a standout player for the Stephen F. Austin Lumberjacks from 2014 to 2017. Over his four years, he played in 41 games, starting in 33. He amassed 130 tackles, 17.5 sacks, and five forced fumbles at the college level. His performance earned him multiple All-Southland Conference honors, including a first-team selection in 2016 and second-team honors in 2015 and 2017. His college achievements laid the foundation for his successful transition to the NFL.
Trade to Denver Broncos
In a recent career move, John Franklin-Myers was traded to the Denver Broncos on April 29, 2024. This trade marks a new chapter in his NFL journey, providing him with an opportunity to bring his experience and skills to the Broncos’ defense. As he joins the Denver Broncos, fans and analysts alike will be watching to see how John Franklin-Myers will continue to contribute and enhance his already impressive NFL career.
Conclusion
John Franklin-Myers has proven to be a reliable and productive defensive end throughout his NFL career. From his college days at Stephen F. Austin to his impactful seasons with the Rams and Jets, and now with the Denver Broncos, he has consistently demonstrated his ability to make plays. With a strong track record of tackles, sacks, and other key defensive contributions, John Franklin-Myers is a player to watch as he continues his NFL journey.
