For eight years, Zaire Franklin gave the Indianapolis Colts everything he had. It's where his NFL journey began when the Colts drafted him with the 235th pick in the seventh round in 2018. Franklin exceeded his selection number by miles and was a valuable defender for Indy in his time there.
Now, having been traded to the Green Bay Packers, it marks the end of a chapter for Franklin, but the beginning of a new one. In 132 games played in Indianapolis, Franklin posted over 700 total tackles, 11 forced fumbles, three interceptions, and 26 pass deflections. The one and perhaps only blemish on his Colts resume is his just 10 sacks over eight seasons.
Nevertheless, Franklin maintained consistency in almost every other area at linebacker, and his Colts career can be tied closely to his availability and health every season. His dependability and veteran experience will be missed, and judging by his most recent social media post directed at Colts fans, he will miss Indianapolis just as much.
Zaire Franklin pens heartfelt message to Indianapolis Colts fans is layered with transparent honesty
Franklin's message to Colts fans was one of the more vulnerable ones you'll see from an NFL player moving on to another team. He specifically thanks fans at the store, food spots, and events for their kindness and support during low points in his life.
As a professional athlete, these days, criticism always seems to overwhelm support, so it's heartwarming to know Franklin remembers the good stuff.
🫶🏾💙 pic.twitter.com/9iRHUDY21X
— Zaire Franklin (@ZiggySmalls_) March 9, 2026
Franklin also expressed hope that Colts fans know that he gave everything he had during his years playing in front of them. He made the Pro Bowl once in 2024, and a second-team All-Pro once, also in 2024. Aside from those accolades, Franklin also blew away the Colts franchise record of tackles in a season with 179 total tackles in 2023 and followed it up with 170 tackles in 2024.
This one could sting Indianapolis for a few moments, and leave Colts' fans wondering how GM Chris Ballard is going to follow this trade up as it relates to replacing Franklin. For the team's future, trading Franklin may have been the right move, but what Ballard does now to fill that hole will go a long way toward providing fans with a sense of relief.
The Colts also have to decide whether Germaine Pratt's free-agent status has become more integral to their plans moving forward. Does Ballard attempt to re-sign Pratt with Franklin gone, or will he cut bait with another veteran presence at the linebacker position? Free agency kicks off this week, so time will tell. For now, it's simply goodbye to Franklin, and good luck.