James Franklin, a name synonymous with perseverance and excellence, etched his mark in college football during his time as a quarterback for the Missouri Tigers (Mizzou).
From 2011 to 2013, Franklin’s dual-threat abilities made him a standout player and a leader who could elevate his team’s performance.
After college, Franklin pursued a professional career, signing with the Detroit Lions as an undrafted free agent in 2014.
Though his time in the NFL was brief, he found success in the Canadian Football League (CFL), playing for the Edmonton Eskimos, Toronto Argonauts, and Saskatchewan Roughriders.
Franklin’s adaptability and dedication earned him recognition north of the border.
James Franklin’s Career Beyond Football
Following his playing days, Franklin’s entrepreneurial spirit took center stage.
He co-founded D1 Fuel and D1 Supps, ventures aimed at empowering athletes and promoting healthy lifestyles.
D1 Supps focuses on providing electrolyte drinks for athletes and everyday individuals to enhance hydration and performance.
Franklin is passionate about introducing these products to high schools and middle schools, aiming to encourage young athletes to lead healthier lives.
Beyond this, Franklin’s diverse career includes being a licensed Aflac agent, a commercial roofing salesman, and an active real estate investor.
His commitment to personal growth and helping others achieve success highlights his multifaceted journey.
Franklin also enjoys motivational speaking and working with youth.
He is particularly dedicated to guiding the next generation of athletes, leveraging his experiences to inspire and uplift others.
James Franklin’s Wife, Kaylee Is A Mother of Three Kids
Franklin’s personal life is a testament to his values of faith, family, and resilience.
He met Kaylee through a serendipitous connection on Instagram, eventually leading to an in-person meeting at his best friend’s graduation.
Their first date in Norman, Oklahoma, in 2013 was a mix of nerves and excitement, marked by moments of humor and sincerity.
“The entire hour drive there and back, I talked about my first girlfriend. I was just so nervous and excited, but that was all I could talk about. I can’t believe I did that now… Then we went out for dinner where I stood my menu up on the table so it was blocking her line of sight. After we ordered, the waitress tried to take it, but I told her I wanted to keep it. Every now and then I’d pull the menu down and tell Kaylee I thought she looked nice. In my head I was doing great, but in reality it was terrible. There was even an older couple there who gave Kaylee a look like ’What in the world is he doing?’”
Via Streets Of Toronto
Despite his initial awkwardness, their bond grew stronger over time.
James proposed to Kaylee at her former workplace, surrounded by their families, in a heartfelt moment where he recounted their love story.
The couple married on July 5, 2014, in Texas, one year and one day after they met.
They celebrated their union with an eight-day honeymoon in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico.
Together, James and Kaylee have built a loving family.
They are parents to two daughters, Adelynn Rae Franklin and Brynlee Mical, and a son, Caden James.
Their shared faith and commitment to open communication are central to their marriage’s strength, allowing them to navigate life’s challenges as a team.
James Franklin’s Past Relationship With Molly Kreklow
Before meeting Kaylee, Franklin was in a relationship with Molly Kreklow, a former volleyball star at Missouri.
The two had a unique bond, having graduated high school early and enrolling at Mizzou in January 2010.
Their friendship blossomed into a relationship, and Franklin often spoke highly of Kreklow’s character and athletic achievements.
While their paths eventually diverged, their time together played a significant role in Franklin’s life during his early college years.
In Case You Didn’t Know
- James Franklin was born on July 23, 1991.
- In the 2011 Independence Bowl, he was named MVP.
- He retired from professional football in 2021.
