Penn State players offer their appreciation to James Franklin [opinion]

On November 19th, Theo Johnson was among the 25 distinguished Penn State football players honored on Senior Day. After a 27-6 victory against Rutgers at Beaver Stadium, the team captain, Theo Johnson, expressed gratitude towards head coach James Franklin. Johnson stepped up to thank Franklin for his unwavering support during a particularly tough week for the team.

The Wolverines setback and the subsequent dismissal of offensive coordinator Mike Yurcich put Franklin in the spotlight and earned him a heartfelt expression of appreciation from his players. Franklin was noticeably moved by the gesture, further solidifying the strong bond he has formed with his team.

Former Penn State tight end, Mike Gesicki, presently with the New England Patriots, took to social media to laud Franklin and his leadership. The respect and admiration for Franklin extend beyond just the current players on the team. Under Franklin’s leadership, the team has seen limited off-the-field issues and a commendable graduation rate of 89%.

Safety Keaton Ellis, a local talent from State College, highlighted Franklin’s impact on him personally during his tenure at Penn State. He emphasized the value Franklin placed on personal growth, apart from just athletic development.

While Franklin has been the subject of criticism, particularly following the Wolverines loss and the handling of the offensive coordinator situation, his players have consistently vouched for his character and devotion to their well-being. Despite detractors’ cynical doubts about his way of leading the team, Franklin’s genuine care for his players and the strong relationships he fosters with them have been unanimously praised by those who know him best.

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Alex Martin

Alex Martin is your guide to the global phenomenon of football. With a focus on international leagues and tournaments, he provides match commentary, player interviews, and behind-the-scenes stories from the world of football.