Happy Hour Replay: Life goes on for Johnathan Franklin

The former UCLA/Packers running back who was forced to retire with a neck injury in 2013 spends an hour with Go Long. Catch the replay below.

It’s never easy for football players to find purpose and happiness when they’re done playing, a topic we hit on often at Go Long.

Ryan Leaf wasn’t shy. As the former No. 2 overall pick put, the commissioner hugs you on your way into the NFL and then basically says “Don’t let the door hit you on the ass on the way out, kiddo.” He doesn’t see a smooth transition in place.

Others such as Bruce Smith, Donte Whitner, Darren Woodson, Drew Bledsoe and Trent Dilfer have all had varying degrees of success adjusting once the cheering stops. None of them, however, were forced to walk away after their rookie season like running back Johnathan Franklin. UCLA’s all-time leading rusher could have been a star in the NFL and could still be playing today, but was forced to retire after a neck injury in 2013.

Franklin joined subscribers on the Go Long Happy Hour Wednesday night to get into everything. You can watch the replay above if you’d like.

A few topics discussed…

• The neck injury and how Franklin tried to keep hope alive doctor to doctor, before finally stepping away.

• The unique role Packers president Mark Murphy played in restarting his life. He saw a side of Murphy that few see today, describing him as an exceptional leader.

• How Franklin latched on with the Los Angeles Rams and his role in the community.

• His 2021 Aaron Rodgers prediction and what it was like to play with the quarterback.

• How Franklin tries to inspire people today, off the field. He believes NFL players do have the resources in place when they’re done playing.

• Are there Rams fans in LA? Just how massive is SoFi Stadium?

• Whether or not Franklin still aspires to be the mayor of L.A. one day.

Enjoy.

Thanks, everyone.