Marloshawn Franklin Jr. suited up for the B.C. Lions during the 2019 CFL pre-season.
In 2020, the defensive back signed with the Montreal Alouettes before the season was canceled because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Last year he was in the Nation’s Capital attending camp with the Ottawa Redblacks.
And this Victoria Day, while playing in the pre-season Battle of Alberta against the Calgary Stampeders, Franklin suffered a hand injury that landed him on the Green and Gold’s six-game injured list.
Now, more than four years after first arriving in Canada, and nearly three months since his path led to Edmonton, Franklin will finally make his CFL regular season debut when the Elks battle the Winnipeg Blue Bombers at IG Field tonight (July 20), broadcast live on TSN, 630 CHED, and CFL+. Kickoff is scheduled for just after 6:30 p.m. MT.
“It’s almost here,” says Franklin. “Everybody keeps asking, ‘How are you feeling right now?’, because they know how passionate I am about it. When the time comes I’ll be able to express myself.”
What a journey this has been for the Michigan native who grew up in Arizona and played NCAA Division 1 football at Cal-Berkeley. He even played overseas for a stint in 2021 with the Hamburg Sea Devils of the Football League of Europe. Now, at last, Franklin has arrived at the intersection of opportunity and preparedness.
“It was just part of my job to stay ready,” the 26-year-old says. “I’m a competitor so I’m just excited to get out there and showcase my talents.”
TRANSACTIONS | The Elks sign three players.
🇺🇸 Marloshawn Franklin Jr @Marlofranko(DB) @SeaDevilsHH
🇺🇸 Ky’el Hemby @Asap_koddie (DB) @SouthernMissFB
🇺🇸Antonio Mitchell II @AntonioMitcheII (DB) @PurdueSports
DETAILS | https://t.co/E4ekgn3cdb#OurTeamOurCity #GoElks #CFL pic.twitter.com/LD9ZU9ESfV
— Edmonton Elks (@GoElks) May 1, 2023
Franklin signed with the Elks on May 1, and had an interception in Edmonton’s pre-season opener at McMahon Stadium. He also had interception, along with four defensive tackles and one sack over two pre-season contests with the Lions in 2019. In six games with the Sea Devils in 2021, the five-foot-eleven cornerback picked off two passes and forced two fumbles while recording two tackles and one tackle for loss.
“I think I carry myself very well when it comes to fighting adversity, and being a spark for our team as far the camaraderie and having fun,” Franklin says. “At the end of the day, football is a game and we’re really fortunate to get paid to play a game that we’ve been playing since we were adolescents. So I would say what I bring to the table is attitude, swag, (and) coming down with the ball in tight situations — I pride myself on doing that.”
Thursday’s game will, of course, be special for Franklin. The past is what it was, the future is what it will be. When Franklin reflects on his worldly experiences, he most appreciates the here and now.
“Every moment is the best moment for me,” he says.
Go western when the Elks battle the division rival BC Lions on Country Night, Saturday, July 29 at Commonwealth Stadium. Being part of the action has never been more affordable, with tickets starting at just $15. Click here to get your tickets now and be part of the tradition.
Elks Football…Our Team. Our City.