Franks, Bubba

Bubba Franks

Background and college

Born January 6, 1978 in Riverside, California, Franks attended Big Spring High School In Big Spring TX and was an all state tight end there. Franks played collegiate football at the University of Miami, one of the premier collegiate football programs in the nation, where he was known for making extraordinary one-handed receptions. He redshirted in 1996, but was very productive in the 1997, 1998 and 1999 seasons, setting the University of Miami record for most touchdowns by a tight end, with 12. He was also named to the All-Big East team twice and was named as an All-American in 1999.

NFL Career

Before the Jets

Franks waived his final year of eligibility to enter the 2000 NFL Draft and was selected in the first round, with the 14th overall selection, by the Green Bay Packers. After a promising but unspectacular rookie season, he reached the Pro Bowl following his second NFL year, during which he caught nine touchdown passes. Franks has been to three Pro Bowls altogether (2001, 2002, and 2003). He missed much of the 2005 season with knee and neck injuries. On February 20, 2008, Franks was released by the Packers after an unproductive and injury plagued 2007 season in which he was demoted to second string TE behind Donald Lee. He played for the Packers from 2001 to 2007.

As a Jet

On March 16, 2008, Franks agreed to terms with the Jets. In the 2008 season, he started in four games last season and played in eight overall, catching six passes for 47 yards. On July 13, 2009, Franks was released by the Jets.

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