Last Updated on November 6, 2026 by Valentim Tereshkova
Sam Franklin Jr. is an American professional football player who plays as a safety and special teams contributor for the Buffalo Bills in the National Football League (NFL). Born on February 2, 1996, in Florida, Franklin played college football at Temple University before entering the NFL with the Carolina Panthers as an undrafted free agent in 2020.
Beyond his football career, Franklin is a husband and father who comes from a family that made considerable sacrifices to support his athletic ambitions. His mother, Tammy Futch, and his father helped him overcome financial difficulties, while his godmother, Marlow Mike, played an important role in his education and development.
Franklin’s personal life became more publicly documented in September 2026, when a Niagara Gazette interview confirmed that he was married and had welcomed a son during the previous year.
Sam Franklin Jr.’s Wife: Who Is He Married To?
Sam Franklin Jr. is married, according to an interview published by the Niagara Gazette on September 10, 2026.
The report discussed his family life during the difficult period when he was released by the Denver Broncos and subsequently joined the Buffalo Bills in 2025.
Franklin explained that he and his wife were adjusting to the responsibilities of caring for their newborn son, who experienced jaundice during infancy.
The family situation added emotional pressure during an already challenging period in his professional football career.
Despite those difficulties, Franklin and his wife continued supporting their child while he worked to establish himself with Buffalo.
Although the interview confirms that he has a wife, her name and personal background have not been reliably established in the published sources reviewed.
Details about her occupation, education and the couple’s wedding have also not been widely documented.
When Did Sam Franklin Jr. Get Married?
The exact date of Sam Franklin Jr.’s wedding has not been publicly confirmed in reliable reporting.
However, the Niagara Gazette’s September 2026 interview establishes that he was already married while navigating his transition between NFL teams during 2025.
The report identifies his partner as his wife rather than his girlfriend or fiancée.
Consequently, Franklin should be described as married, although identifying a wedding location or marriage date would require additional verification.
Sam Franklin Jr.’s Children: How Many Kids Does He Have?
Sam Franklin Jr. has at least one publicly documented child, a son born in 2025.
The child’s existence was confirmed in the Niagara Gazette’s September 2026 feature examining Franklin’s journey from being released by the Denver Broncos to becoming a special teams captain with the Buffalo Bills.
According to the report, Franklin and his wife were caring for their newborn son while he faced uncertainty about his NFL future.
The experience added new responsibilities to his life as a professional athlete.
Sam Franklin Jr.’s Son
Franklin’s son was born in 2025, although his exact date of birth and name have not been reliably established in public reporting.
According to the Niagara Gazette, the baby experienced jaundice, a condition associated with elevated bilirubin levels that can cause yellowing of the skin and eyes.
The couple spent several months managing their son’s condition while Franklin was also dealing with professional uncertainty.
By September 2026, Franklin reported that his family was healthy and enjoying greater stability.
Although he has discussed becoming a father, he has generally protected his son’s privacy, and additional details about the child remain limited.
How Fatherhood Influenced Sam Franklin Jr.
Becoming a father represented an important new chapter in Franklin’s personal life.
During the summer of 2025, he was attempting to establish himself with the Denver Broncos after spending five seasons with the Carolina Panthers.
At the same time, he and his wife were adjusting to parenthood and managing their baby’s health concerns.
When Denver released him before the regular season, Franklin faced the possibility of losing his place in the NFL while supporting a young family.
He eventually received another opportunity with the Buffalo Bills.
In September 2026, he reflected on the importance of stability and consistency after navigating those difficult circumstances.
Sam Franklin Jr.’s Parents: Who Are His Mother and Father?
Sam Franklin Jr. grew up in Citrus County, Florida, where his parents supported his ambition to become a professional football player.
His mother is Tammy Futch, whose identity was confirmed in a detailed October 2020 family profile published by the Charlotte Observer.
His father has also appeared in reporting about his childhood and NFL career, although his full name has not been reliably established in the sources reviewed.
Both parents contributed to Franklin’s development, particularly during the challenging period when he was attempting to qualify academically for college football.
Sam Franklin Jr.’s Mother: Tammy Futch
Tammy Futch is Sam Franklin Jr.’s mother and one of the most important figures in his life.
She supported his interest in football from childhood and helped him continue pursuing his ambitions despite financial and educational obstacles.
In an October 29, 2020, interview with the Charlotte Observer, Tammy recalled that her son had announced his intention to become a professional football player when he was approximately seven years old.
The family was watching an NFL game on television when young Sam expressed his belief that he would eventually become one of the players appearing on the screen.
Although his mother initially reacted with amusement, she recognized that he was serious about his dream.
She subsequently helped him begin playing organized football when he was approximately eight years old.
Franklin quickly demonstrated impressive athletic abilities, participating in football, basketball and baseball.
However, football eventually became his primary passion.
How Tammy Futch Helped Her Son Reach College
One of the most difficult periods in Franklin’s early life occurred after he graduated from Citrus High School in Florida.
Although he attracted interest from college football programs, academic eligibility requirements prevented him from immediately enrolling at the Division I level.
He was advised to attend East Coast Prep, a postgraduate football program in Great Barrington, Massachusetts.
However, the program required several thousand dollars in tuition, creating a serious financial challenge for his family.
Franklin began working multiple jobs to raise the necessary money, including washing dishes at Applebee’s and Outback Steakhouse.
His mother also saved money to help cover the expenses.
When Franklin became discouraged and considered abandoning his football ambitions, Tammy encouraged him to remain determined.
Her support helped him continue pursuing the opportunity.
Franklin eventually attended East Coast Prep and later earned a scholarship to Temple University.
In subsequent interviews, he credited his mother with teaching him perseverance and the importance of believing in his goals.
Sam Franklin Jr.’s Father: Who Is His Dad?
Sam Franklin Jr.’s father has been discussed in reliable NFL reporting, but his full name has not been publicly verified.
Although his identity remains incompletely documented, several interviews establish that he contributed to his son’s development and supported his football ambitions.
During a September 2026 interview with the Niagara Gazette, Franklin recalled how his father helped him raise money to attend postgraduate school.
His father used $300 in food assistance benefits to purchase meat that Franklin could barbecue and sell.
The family hoped the sales would help cover the costs of attending East Coast Prep.
The gesture demonstrated how his relatives combined their limited resources to support his ambitions.
That period left a lasting impression on Franklin, who subsequently developed a reputation for determination and hard work.
Sam Franklin Jr.’s Father Celebrates His NFL Success
Franklin’s father has also remained involved in his professional football journey.
In October 2023, the Charlotte Observer published a feature about Franklin’s memorable interception return against the Minnesota Vikings.
During the game, Franklin intercepted a pass from quarterback Kirk Cousins and returned it 99 yards for a touchdown.
The play established a Carolina Panthers franchise record for the longest interception return for a touchdown.
After the game, Franklin spoke with his father by telephone.
Rather than simply congratulating his son, his father jokingly reminded him of a previous preseason play in which quarterback Tim Boyle had tackled Franklin following an interception.
The lighthearted conversation demonstrated their close relationship and his father’s continued interest in his football performances.
Sam Franklin Jr.’s Siblings: Does He Have Brothers or Sisters?
The exact number and names of Sam Franklin Jr.’s siblings have not been reliably established in official NFL or college football biographies.
During her 2020 Charlotte Observer interview, Tammy Futch referred to encouraging her children, suggesting that Franklin grew up in a family with other children.
However, the report did not provide a complete list of his brothers or sisters.
His official Temple University biography also does not identify siblings by name.
Consequently, there is insufficient verified information to establish how many brothers or sisters Franklin has.
Some reports mention the son of Franklin’s godmother, Marlow Mike, with whom Franklin spent time during high school. However, this does not establish that the two are biological siblings.
Sam Franklin Jr.’s Godmother: Who Is Marlow Mike?
Marlow Mike is Sam Franklin Jr.’s godmother and an important figure in his upbringing.
Her identity and influence were documented in the Charlotte Observer’s October 2020 family profile.
According to the report, Franklin lived with his godmother beginning during his high school years.
She helped provide guidance and encouraged him to pursue both education and football.
When Franklin was in 11th grade, Marlow asked him and her son to identify colleges they wanted to attend and academic subjects they might study.
Franklin explained that he intended to attend college but was also determined to reach the NFL.
His godmother took his ambition seriously and helped him explore possible educational pathways.
Marlow Mike’s Role in Franklin’s College Journey
When Franklin needed to attend East Coast Prep to improve his academic eligibility, Marlow became part of the family’s efforts to help him succeed.
She supported the fundraising process and helped him prepare for the transition to school in Massachusetts.
After the family gathered enough money, Franklin traveled from Florida to Great Barrington with his mother, godmother and godfather.
The group completed a long road trip so he could begin the postgraduate program.
Marlow’s involvement demonstrated the importance of extended family and trusted adults in Franklin’s development.
Her support contributed to the educational opportunity that eventually allowed him to play college football at Temple University.
Sam Franklin Jr.’s Childhood and Family Background
Samuel Lamar Franklin Jr. was born on February 2, 1996, and grew up in Florida’s Citrus County area.
He attended Citrus High School in Inverness, where he developed into a versatile athlete.
During high school, he played wide receiver, defensive back and linebacker.
He also competed in basketball, demonstrating his athletic versatility.
Despite his accomplishments, Franklin faced academic difficulties that complicated his college recruitment.
According to the Charlotte Observer, he has dyslexia, a learning difference that affected his academic progress.
Rather than abandoning his football ambitions, he worked to improve his educational qualifications.
His mother, father, godmother and other supporters helped him raise money for postgraduate school.
He eventually completed the necessary academic work and received an opportunity to attend Temple University.
Sam Franklin Jr.’s College Football Career at Temple
Sam Franklin Jr. played college football at Temple University from 2016 through 2019.
He initially contributed on special teams and as a defensive back before becoming a regular starting linebacker.
During the 2018 season, he emerged as one of the team’s leading defensive contributors.
He recorded an interception against Villanova, forced a fumble against Tulsa and made a career-high 10 tackles against Navy.
His performances helped establish him as one of Temple’s most versatile defensive players.
In 2019, Franklin was awarded jersey No. 4, one of Temple’s prestigious single-digit numbers traditionally reserved for players recognized for their toughness.
He completed his college career with 194 tackles, eight sacks and two interceptions.
Franklin studied adult and organizational development and participated in an educational trip to Japan through Temple’s sports and hospitality program.
His graduation and football achievements represented important milestones following the academic challenges he had experienced after high school.
Sam Franklin Jr.’s NFL Career and Family Support
After completing his college career, Franklin entered the 2020 NFL Draft but was not selected.
He subsequently signed with the Carolina Panthers as an undrafted free agent.
Franklin impressed the coaching staff during training camp and earned a place on the team’s regular-season roster.
He made his first NFL start in October 2020, fulfilling the childhood dream he had shared with his mother years earlier.
Franklin spent five seasons with the Panthers, contributing as a safety and special teams player.
His most memorable defensive achievement came in October 2023, when he returned an interception 99 yards for a touchdown against Minnesota.
Following the 2024 season, Franklin signed with the Denver Broncos in April 2025.
However, Denver released him during final roster cuts in August.
The Buffalo Bills signed him to their practice squad on August 27, 2025, and promoted him to the active roster on September 4.
Franklin established himself as an important special teams contributor during his first season in Buffalo.
On February 27, 2026, the Bills rewarded him with a three-year contract extension.
His teammates subsequently selected him as one of the team’s special teams captains for the 2026 season.
How Family Challenges Shaped Sam Franklin Jr.’s Career
Franklin’s professional journey has been influenced by several significant family experiences.
During his teenage years, his relatives helped him overcome financial obstacles that threatened his opportunity to attend college.
His mother and godmother encouraged him to continue pursuing football, while his father helped raise funds.
Years later, Franklin faced another difficult situation when he was released by Denver while caring for a newborn son.
His arrival in Buffalo provided a fresh professional opportunity and greater financial stability for his family.
In his September 2026 interview, Franklin explained that consistency had become an important goal in both his personal life and football career.
His experiences demonstrate how family responsibilities and professional challenges have influenced his development as an NFL player.
Frequently Asked Questions About Sam Franklin Jr.’s Family
Who is Sam Franklin Jr.’s wife?
Sam Franklin Jr. is married, according to a September 2026 Niagara Gazette interview. However, his wife’s name has not been reliably established in the available reporting.
Is Sam Franklin Jr. married?
Yes. The Niagara Gazette confirmed that Franklin was married while discussing his family responsibilities during the 2025 NFL season.
Does Sam Franklin Jr. have children?
Yes. Sam Franklin Jr. has at least one publicly documented child, a son born in 2025.
What is Sam Franklin Jr.’s son’s name?
The name of Sam Franklin Jr.’s son has not been reliably established in public reporting.
Who is Sam Franklin Jr.’s mother?
His mother is Tammy Futch, who supported his football ambitions and helped him raise money to attend East Coast Prep before enrolling at Temple University.
Who is Sam Franklin Jr.’s father?
Franklin’s father has been mentioned in several interviews about his football career, but his full name has not been reliably confirmed.
Does Sam Franklin Jr. have siblings?
The exact number and identities of his siblings have not been established in authoritative public sources.
Who is Sam Franklin Jr.’s godmother?
His godmother is Marlow Mike, who helped raise and guide him during his high school years and supported his efforts to attend college.
Where is Sam Franklin Jr.’s family from?
Sam Franklin Jr. grew up in Citrus County, Florida, and attended Citrus High School in Inverness.
What college did Sam Franklin Jr. attend?
Sam Franklin Jr. attended Temple University, where he played football from 2016 through 2019.
When did Sam Franklin Jr. join the Buffalo Bills?
Franklin joined the Bills’ practice squad in August 2025 and was promoted to the active roster in September 2025.
What is Sam Franklin Jr.’s most memorable NFL play?
One of his most memorable achievements was a 99-yard interception return for a touchdown against the Minnesota Vikings in October 2023, setting a Carolina Panthers franchise record.
Valentim Tereshkova is a sports journalist and NFL analyst specializing in team dynamics, scheme breakdowns, and league-wide trends. Covering everything from offseason roster construction and Draft developments to Sunday game plans and Super Bowl contenders, he delivers clear, sharp commentary on the gridiron. Valentim combines stat-driven analysis with a passion for football storytelling to give readers an expert look into the AFC and NFC.
