About JFIII
John Franklin III, was born on September 21, 1994 and set out to achieve his lifelong goal of becoming an American football player in the National Football League. After fully committing his time and energy combined with a mixture of faith and hard work, he achieved his goal and became a member of the Chicago Bears. He played college football for Florida State University, Auburn University and Florida Atlantic University. He also played junior college football at East Mississippi Community College, where he was the main featured star in the hit Netflix original show "Last Chance U". After all the trials and tribulations that he faced, he was signed by the Bears as an un-drafted free agent in 2018.
"Ever since 4 years old I knew I wanted to be a professional athlete. And since then I've worked non stop till I was able to make my childhood dream my everyday lifestyle." -JFIII
JFIII growing up was as talented of a kid there was. The true definition of an athlete. Since the age of four he played baseball, basketball, football and ran track year around all his life. It wasn't by force, he just loved to play sports and was an obvious standout in all of them due to his talent and athleticism. In high school, JFIII was a 3 sport athlete. Juggling between football, basketball, and track all while maintaining a 4.2 cumulative GPA.
"I've always been the kind of person that if I really wanted something NOTHING was going to get in the way of me getting it." -JFIII
After graduating high school, JFIII committed to Florida State University. At FSU he redshirted in his 2013 freshman year earning the Offensive Scout Team Player Award. During the 2014 year he served as the back-up quarterback to Jameis Winston as well as a wide receiver for the Seminoles showing off his dual-threat skills. Speaking of dual-threat skills, JFIII had an impressive track and field resume while at FSU. Not only was he apart of the ACC Indoor & Outdoor Championship teams, but he was also on the 4x1 Relay Championship team. On May 29th, 2015 he announced his transfer from Florida State University to East Mississippi Community College in hopes to further his football career as a quarterback. During his time at EMCC football fans across the world witnessed his skills and athleticism through the Netflix series “Last Chance U”. Upon completing his time at East Mississippi he then signed to continue his football career at Auburn University where he proved that was he was still able to play both QB and Wide Receiver positions. With a desire for more playing time and wanting to be back closer to home he transferred one final time to Florida Atlantic University. During his time at FAU he played a big part on the offensive side of the ball. He proved that he was more than just a quarterback, as he finished with 324 Rushing and receiving yards in his final collegiate season. Thanks to his non-traditional college career, it gave him the ability to adapt and play a handful of positions which now make him one of the most versatile players in the NFL.
"I'm going to bet me 10 out of 10 times. Believe in yourself FIRST or don't expect nobody else to believe in you at all." -JFIII
JFIII attended the Chicago Bears rookie minicamp on a tryout basis. Fighting through all adversity and completely proving his ability to adapt throughout each transition of his career, the Chicago Bears signed JFIII and made him an official member of their organization.
"My family is my EVERYTHING! That's what motivates me everyday I wake up. I work hard so that one day they don't have a worry in the world." -JFIII
On November 13, 2019, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers signed JFIII to their practice squad as a defensive back. After a few weeks on the practice squad, the Buccaneers moved JFIII back on the offensive side of the ball as a wide receiver. On December 24, 2019, in week 17 of the season the Buccaneers promoted JFIII to the active roster where he played in his first official NFL game. In his first game JFIII recorded 11 yards on 1 carry.
"They Gone Feel me"-JFIII
Currently JFIII is still on contract with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers playing at the wide receiver position. He has been able to set an example for others that if you have the right mentality, work ethic and drive, you can accomplish anything you want.
"A dream doesn't come true without hard work "-JFIII
JFIII is a huge believer on family values and does everything with them in mind first. From his parents John & Kealer Franklin, siblings Jarrell & Tiffany Franklin, all the way down to his dog Lola. JFIII uses them as his motivation and wouldn't be where he is today without their love and unwavering support.
"God blessed me with special abilities, talents and gifts. What I do with those gifts and the platform he's given me is my thanks and gift back to him. It's BIGGER than me. All this is for HIS glory not mine." -JFIII
