John Franklin-Myers gets emotional when discussing new contract
When an NFL player signs a sizable contract or extension, it’s an incredibly surreal moment. It represents the culmination of countless hours devoted to discipline and improvement, solidifying them as one of the best in the entire world at what they do.
But possibly above all else, it means financial security for the people they love.
New York Jets defensive end John Franklin-Myers, who has been an absolute force of nature for the green and white so far this season, inked his first contract extension on Thursday. The deal is reportedly worth $55 million over four years, with $30 million in total guarantees.
While speaking to the media on Friday morning, Franklin-Myers was asked who the first person he called after signing his contract was.
“My son, honestly,” he replied. “I wish that he was there when I signed it, but it just happened so fast.”
The 6-foot-4, 288-pound lineman then began to cite his son as the reason he plays football, but he couldn’t quite get the thought out before breaking down into tears.
After a long, heartwarming pause of Franklin-Myers composing himself at the podium, he was able to continue speaking.
“I play football for him. I just want to give him every opportunity.”
The first person John Franklin-Myers called after signing his contract extension? His son.
He gets emotional talking about it: "I play football for him, and I want to give him every opportunity" ❤️ pic.twitter.com/yfF0GlYqfg
— Jets Videos (@snyjets) October 8, 2021
If Franklin-Myers is able to keep playing the way he has of late, there’s likely to be more money where this came from.
Franklin-Myers has five sacks in his past seven games dating back to 2020. He will look to keep his hot streak going on Sunday against an Atlanta Falcons team that has been graded by Pro Football Focus as the league’s seventh-worst at pass-blocking this season.
