The newest addition to the Green Bay Packers’ linebacker room is looking forward to seeing what this team can do.
Zaire Franklin entered the NFL in 2018 when he was selected 235th overall by the Indianapolis Colts.
While he didn’t make much of an impact in his first four seasons, he had a breakout year in 2022, recording 167 tackles, 102 of which were solo tackles, as well as 3 sacks and 3 forced fumbles.
He broke the 170-tackle mark the next two seasons before getting traded to Green Bay in exchange for interior D-Lineman Colby Wooden
Franklin tells SeehaferNews.com that he has really enjoyed his time in Green Bay so far.
“It’s been a great community, first-class organization, and the team’s welcomed me with open arms,” he explained. “I’m just out here trying to get better, compete and earn my spot every day.”
And earn his spot he has, as he currently is among the starting defensive corps, and has been a leader during training camp.
Speaking of camp, Franklin was nothing short of impressed by the turnout for these practices and the iconic American Family Insurance DreamDrive bike rides.
“You know, I’ve been a part of a lot of teams…back to high school and college that has attempted, things like that, but it was cool to see it in motion,” he recalled. “It just speaks on how awesome this Green Bay community is and…what the team means to the town.”
As far as his on-the-field contributions, Franklin tells us he hopes to help bring the defense to the next level through his “communication, playmaking, taking the ball away, mentality, tenacity, just going out there competing. Just trying to make myself better and make my teammates better and just be the best version of myself every day.”
Franklin competed against a lot of his new teammates while he was in Indianapolis, but several players have stood out to him so far.
“I mean, I think the corner room has been great,” Franklin said. “Keisan (Nixon), and (Brandon) Cisse, and CV (Carrington Valentine), and (Benjamin St.) Juste. The competition makes everybody better, so it’s been really cool to just watch those guys compete and getting better.”
Franklin and the rest of the Green Bay Packers has the next couple of days out of the public eye, as their practice sessions will be held behind closed doors, but on Friday, they will host the biggest practice of the preseason.
Family Night at Lambeau Field will begin with warm-ups at 7:00 p.m., and practice officially kicks off at 7:30 p.m.
