John Franklin-Myers

Verified Timeline

Lore & Background

Franklin-Myers attended and played high school football at Greenville High School in Greenville, Texas. He played college football for the Stephen F. Austin Lumberjacks. He was selected by the Los Angeles Rams in the fourth round (135th overall) of the 2018 NFL draft. The pick used to draft him originally was acquired in a trade that sent Alec Ogletree to the New York Giants. He made his professional debut in the Rams' season opener against the Oakland Raiders. In Week 4, against the Minnesota Vikings, he recorded his first professional sack. As a rookie, he appeared in 16 regular season games. He recorded two sacks, ten total tackles, one forced fumble, and one fumble recovery. He also recorded a sack and a fumble in Super Bowl LIII against New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady, though the fumble was quickly recovered by the Patriots offense. Franklin-Myers was waived during final roster cuts on August 31, 2019. On September 1, 2019, Franklin-Myers was claimed off waivers by the New York Jets. He was placed on injured reserve on October 4, 2019. He was designated for return from injured reserve on November 27, 2019, and began practicing with the team again. However, he was not activated by the end of the three-week practice window on December 18, 2019, and remained on injured reserve for the rest of the season. In the 2020 season, he appeared in 15 games and started two. He finished with three sacks, 19 total tackles (eight solo), two passes defended, and two fumble recoveries. On October 7, 2021, Franklin-Myers signed a four-year contract extension with the Jets for $55 million, with $30.2 million guaranteed. In the 2021 season, he appeared in and started 16 games. He finished with six sacks, 35 total tackles (17 solo), one interception, one pass defended, and one forced fumble. In the 2022 season, Franklin-Myers started in all 17 games. He finished with five sacks, 38 total tackles (16 solo), and one pass defended. In the 2023 season, Franklin-Myers started in all 17 games. He finished with 3.5 sacks, 33 total tackles (15 solo), and three passes defended. On April 29, 2024, Franklin-Myers was traded to the Denver Broncos for a 2026 sixth-round pick. In the 2024 season, he finished with a career-high seven sacks and 40 tackles. In the 2025 season, Franklin-Myers had 7.5 sacks and 25 total tackles (12 solo). On March 12, 2026, Franklin-Myers signed a three-year, $63 million contract with the Tennessee Titans.

In Their Own Story

The stadium lights hummed over Empower Field as the fourth quarter wore on. Franklin-Myers adjusted his helmet, eyes locked on the quarterback across the line of scrimmage. He knew this was the moment; the defense needed a stop. As the ball snapped, he exploded off the line, shedding a block with raw power. For a split second, the world narrowed to the rusher's path and the pocket collapsing around him.

Reader's Guide

John Franklin-Myers serves as a critical rotational defensive lineman for the Broncos, providing depth and versatility along the front seven. His background includes a strong foundation in college football's toughest defensive schemes, which translates well to the NFL level. In Denver, he is expected to continue his role as a disruptor, capable of playing multiple spots depending on the offensive formation and game plan. Projected impact for the upcoming season remains high, as his experience and physicality are essential for maintaining pressure on opposing quarterbacks while also holding up against powerful running games.

Did You Know?

• John Franklin-Myers was born on September 26, 1996.
• He was drafted by the Los Angeles Rams in the fourth round (135th overall) of the 2018 NFL draft.
• He recorded a sack and a fumble in Super Bowl LIII against Tom Brady.
• He signed a four-year, $55 million contract extension with the New York Jets on October 7, 2021.
• He was traded to the Denver Broncos on April 29, 2024, for a 2026 sixth-round pick.