John Franklin-Myers Bio
John Franklin-Myers (born September 26, 1996) is an American professional football defensive end for the Denver Broncos of the National Football League (NFL). Standing 6 feet 4 inches tall and weighing 288 pounds, he has built a career as a versatile defensive lineman capable of playing both on the edge and along the interior. He played college football for the Stephen F. Austin Lumberjacks before being selected by the Los Angeles Rams in the fourth round of the 2018 NFL draft. During his NFL career, he has also played for the New York Jets before being traded to the Broncos in 2024.
Early Life and Background
John Franklin-Myers was born on September 26, 1996, in Los Angeles, California. He later moved to Texas, where he attended and played high school football at Greenville High School in Greenville. His time at Greenville helped him develop the physical tools and on-field awareness that would later translate to the next level of competition.
Coming out of high school, Franklin-Myers was not heavily recruited by major college programs, which led him to continue his football journey at the collegiate level with a smaller program. His development during these formative years laid the foundation for his eventual transition to professional football.
Path to American Football
Franklin-Myers played college football for the Stephen F. Austin Lumberjacks, where he continued to grow as a defensive prospect. His size, athleticism, and motor caught the attention of NFL scouts, and he entered the professional ranks as part of the 2018 draft class.
Selected in the fourth round by the Los Angeles Rams, Franklin-Myers joined a defensive line that was already established as one of the most dominant units in the league. The opportunity to learn from veteran players and contribute in a specialized role helped accelerate his growth as a young professional.
John Franklin-Myers Career
Early Career (2018)
Franklin-Myers 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. He was waived during final roster cuts on August 31, 2019.
New York Jets Era (2019-2023)
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, and although he was designated for return later that season, he remained on injured reserve for the remainder of the year. In the 2020 season, he appeared in 15 games and started two, finishing with three sacks, 19 total tackles, 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, finishing with six sacks, 35 total tackles, one interception, one pass defended, and one forced fumble. His performance that year established him as a key piece of the Jets’ defensive front.
In the 2022 season, he started in all 17 games, finishing with five sacks, 38 total tackles, and one pass defended. In the 2023 season, he started in all 17 games, finishing with 3.5 sacks, 33 total tackles, and three passes defended. His consistent availability and production made him one of the most reliable defenders on the Jets’ roster.
Denver Broncos Era (2024-Present)
On April 29, 2024, Franklin-Myers was traded to the Denver Broncos for a 2026 sixth-round pick. The move gave him a fresh start on a defense looking to add experienced pass-rush help. In the 2024 season, he finished with a career-high seven sacks and 40 tackles, providing a steady presence along the Broncos’ defensive line.
His production in Denver during his first year with the team suggested an upward trajectory as he continued to refine his game alongside a new coaching staff and defensive scheme. The Broncos valued his versatility, allowing him to line up at multiple positions along the front.
Driving Style and Strengths
Franklin-Myers is known for his positional versatility, capable of playing both as an edge rusher and along the interior of the defensive line. His size and length allow him to hold up against the run, while his quickness and hand technique help him generate pressure on passing downs. Coaches have consistently praised his football intelligence and willingness to take on multiple roles within a defensive scheme.
Notable Events and Milestones
One of the most memorable early moments of his career came in Super Bowl LIII, when he recorded a sack and a fumble against quarterback Tom Brady of the New England Patriots. His career-high seven sacks with the Denver Broncos in the 2024 season marked another significant milestone, reflecting his continued growth as a pass-rusher. The 2021 contract extension with the Jets also stood as a major career achievement, recognizing his value as a foundational defender.
John Franklin-Myers Career Wins
Throughout his NFL career, John Franklin-Myers has built a reputation as a productive and dependable defensive lineman. While wins and losses in football are team achievements, his individual contributions in the form of sacks, tackles, and forced fumbles have consistently helped his teams compete at a high level.
NFL Highlights
Franklin-Myers’ first professional sack came in Week 4 of the 2018 season against the Minnesota Vikings. He has since gone on to record multiple seasons of five or more sacks, including a career-high seven sacks with the Denver Broncos in 2024. His consistent production across multiple teams highlights his durability and effectiveness as a defensive end.
Other Wins & Performances
Beyond his NFL work, Franklin-Myers contributed during his college years with the Stephen F. Austin Lumberjacks, where he developed into a draft-worthy prospect. His performance at the high school level at Greenville High School also helped set the stage for his collegiate and professional career.
John Franklin-Myers Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Public information regarding John Franklin-Myers’ family background remains limited, and detailed accounts of his parents or extended family are not widely available in verified sources. His path to professional football reflects a personal commitment shaped during his years in both Los Angeles, California, and Greenville, Texas.
Personal Life
Franklin-Myers was born in Los Angeles, California, and has spent his professional career living in the cities of his NFL teams. Public details about a spouse or children are not currently available from verified sources.
2025 Season Performance
As John Franklin-Myers enters the 2025 season with the Denver Broncos, he is expected to play a central role in the team’s defensive front. After a career-best seven sacks in 2024, he looks to build on that production and serve as a veteran presence alongside the team’s younger pass-rushers.
The Broncos’ defensive scheme will likely continue to rely on his versatility, using him in multiple alignments along the line. His experience against a wide range of opposing offenses should make him a valuable asset for the coaching staff in game-planning throughout the season.
If Franklin-Myers can maintain his health and continue to produce at a high level, the 2025 season could represent one of the most productive stretches of his NFL career. His combination of size, technique, and football intelligence positions him well for continued success in Denver.