Jerry Franklin

Jerry Franklin (born January 10, 1988) is an American football linebacker for the Chicago Bears of the National Football League. He was originally signed by the Denver Broncos as an undrafted free agent in 2012. Franklin played college football at the University of Arkansas.

High school career
Franklin attended Marion High School, where he was named the Class 6A Offensive Player of the Year and the 6A East Back of the Year as a senior. Considered a three-star recruit by Rivals.com, Franklin was listed No. 38 among safety prospects in the nation.

College career
Originally recruited as a defensive back, Franklin moved from safety to linebacker during his redshirt season in 2007. Franklin has started at multiple positions for the Razorbacks, including weakside linebacker and middle linebacker. In his freshman season, Franklin recorded a team-high 87 tackles, had two forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries. He was named to Sporting News′ Freshman All-American team, as well as College Football News‘ Second Team. During a time when Arkansas's defense struggled with consecutive 12th place finishes in the SEC it total yards allowed in 2008 and 2009, Franklin was a mainstay of the defense. His sophomore season, he again led the team in tackles with 94, and also had five tackles for loss and one and a half sacks. He recovered two fumbles on the year, returning one of them 85 yards for a touchdown against Texas A&M. Franklin finished his career as a four year starter for the Hogs. He led Arkansas in tackles in each of the past four years finishing with 100 or more tackles in his junior and senior seasons- 101 in 2011 and 100 in 2010.

Professional career
Franklin was projected to be a fifth-round pick by CBSSports.

On April 28, 2012, Franklin was signed as an undrafted free agent by the Denver Broncos.

After being waived by the Broncos before the start of the regular season, Franklin was added to the Carolina Panthers' practice squad on October 17, 2012. He was released from the Panthers practice squad and was added to the Dallas Cowboys practice squad on November 14, 2012. He was signed by the Chicago Bears on December 11, 2012 to a two-year contract.