Due to a neck injury, Johnathan Franklin, formerly of the Green Bay Packers, will not return to the NFL, according to multiple sources.
Here is what Green Bay's Head Coach Mike McCarthy had to say: "I have some unfortunate news on Johnathan Franklin. He will not be back with us. He's as classy a young man as has walked through these doors. His situation will be addressed tomorrow by the organization."
Franklin was drafted in the fourth round in the 2013 NFL Draft. He saw limited field time during his only season with the Packers, playing behind fellow rookie Eddie Lacy. Franklin sustained the neck injury in week 12 against the Minnesota Vikings and never returned to the field.
The team's Executive Vice President, General manager, and Director of Football Ted Thompson said this about the release and injury of Franklin: "It's never easy releasing a player, but it's especially difficult when a young man's opportunity is taken away from him because of injury. Johnathan is a great person, a wonderful teammate, and a man that lives by his faith. THe Packers are fortunate to have had the chance to work with him and we know that he will excel in whatever the future holds for him. He will always be a member of the Packers family."
Franklin himself posted the following statement on his Twitter account: "Unfortunately this week I have been ruled out of returning for the 2014/15 season and returning to play in the NFL, but I understand God knows what he is doing for now he has another platform for me to step upon."
Our best wishes to him and his family.