Sam Franklin Jr. has established himself as a prominent figure in American professional football, primarily recognized for his impactful role as a safety. Born on February 2, 1996, Franklin’s journey from an undrafted free agent to a significant contributor in the National Football League (NFL) showcases his resilience and skill. He gained considerable recognition during his tenure with the Carolina Panthers, where he was noted for his strong special teams play and defensive capabilities, including a memorable 99-yard interception return for a touchdown. As of late 2025, he has transitioned through various teams, including a brief stint with the Denver Broncos and currently with the Buffalo Bills, continuing to make his mark in the league.
Sam Franklin Overview
| Category | Detail |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Samuel Lamar Franklin Jr. |
| Date of Birth | February 2, 1996 |
| Age | 29 (as of August 29, 2025) |
| Birthplace | Crystal River, Florida, U.S. |
| Nationality | American |
| Height | 6 ft 3 in (1.91 m) |
| Weight | 210 lbs (95 kg) |
| Profession | Professional American Football Player (Safety) |
| Current Team | Buffalo Bills (as of August 2025) |
| College | Temple University |
| Net Worth | (Information to be fetched) |
| Family | (Information to be fetched) |
Early Life and Education of Sam Franklin
Samuel Lamar Franklin Jr. was born on February 2, 1996, in Crystal River, Florida, and grew up in the nearby area. His formative years were spent in Florida, where he developed a passion for football early on. Franklin attended Citrus High School in Inverness, Florida, where he was a multi-faceted athlete. During his high school career, he showcased his versatility by playing wide receiver, safety, and linebacker for the football team. As a senior, Franklin recorded 24 receptions for 423 yards and two touchdowns offensively, alongside rushing for 326 yards and three touchdowns on 47 carries. Defensively, he amassed 79 tackles (45 solo) and three interceptions over his career, demonstrating his natural talent on both sides of the ball.
Following high school, Franklin initially faced academic challenges that prevented him from qualifying to play at the University of Massachusetts, where he was recruited. To improve his academic standing and test scores, he enrolled at East Coast Prep for a post-graduate year. This period proved crucial for his development, both academically and athletically. After his year at East Coast Prep, Franklin committed to Temple University, where he continued his collegiate football career. At Temple, he played for four seasons, transitioning from a defensive back to a linebacker. During his senior year, he was a key defensive player, ranking as the team’s third-leading tackler with 68 tackles, including 7.5 tackles for loss. Franklin concluded his collegiate career with impressive statistics: 194 total tackles, 24 tackles for loss, eight sacks, two interceptions, 10 pass breakups, three fumble recoveries, and one forced fumble across 53 games. He was also named second-team All-AAC as a senior in 2019.
Sam Franklin’s Career
Sam Franklin Jr.’s professional football career began in 2020 when he signed with the Carolina Panthers as an undrafted free agent on May 2, 2020. Despite not being drafted, he impressed during training camp and successfully made the team’s roster. Franklin made his significant NFL debut on October 18, 2020, against the Chicago Bears, stepping in when teammate Juston Burris was injured and making two tackles. A notable early career highlight occurred in Week 9 of the 2020 season when he recorded his first career sack on Patrick Mahomes during a game against the Kansas City Chiefs.
Throughout his tenure with the Panthers from 2020 to 2024, Franklin was a consistent presence, particularly excelling on special teams. He appeared in 74 games with nine starts, accumulating 67 tackles (48 solo), one sack, one interception, five passes defensed, one forced fumble, and an impressive 38 special teams tackles. His special teams contributions were particularly impactful, with his 37 special teams tackles since 2021 being tied for the third-most among all safeties and tied for the seventh-most league-wide. A career-defining moment came in Week 4 of the 2023 season against the Minnesota Vikings, where Franklin recorded his first career interception, returning it 99 yards for his first NFL defensive touchdown. In 2024, he played a career-high 84 percent of the special teams snaps in the 10 games he appeared in for the Panthers.
On April 8, 2025, Franklin signed a one-year guaranteed contract with the Denver Broncos. He was with the Broncos briefly before being released on August 26, 2025. The very next day, on August 27, 2025, Franklin signed with the Buffalo Bills practice squad. His journey through the NFL, moving between teams, highlights his persistent effort to secure a place in the league and contribute to team success.
Sam Franklin Personal Life & Family
Information regarding Sam Franklin Jr.’s personal life, including specific details about his family, relationships, and children, is not extensively publicized in credible sports media outlets. Professional athletes often maintain a degree of privacy regarding their personal lives. While some general biographical details about his early life in Crystal River, Florida, are available, specific information about his current marital status, whether he has a girlfriend or wife, or children, is not readily accessible through verified public sources.
Awards and Achievements of Sam Franklin
Sam Franklin Jr. has garnered recognition for his performance during his collegiate and professional careers.
| Year | Award/Achievement | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | Second-team All-AAC | As a senior at Temple University |
| 2021-2024 | Top Special Teams Tackler | Tied for 3rd most among all safeties and 7th league-wide in special teams tackles since 2021 |
| 2023 | First NFL Defensive Touchdown | 99-yard interception return against the Minnesota Vikings |
Sam Franklin Net Worth and Income
To provide an up-to-date net worth for Sam Franklin Jr. as of 2025, I need to perform a targeted search for his contract details and any available net worth estimations.
