Former SEC QB Feleipe Franks getting noticed in NFL for delivering big hits on special teams
By Andrew Olson
Published:
Hearing the name Feleipe Franks takes many SEC football fans back about a decade. It was a big deal when Franks, the No. 5 pro-style quarterback in his recruiting class, signed with Florida, where he spent his first 4 years of college football (2016-19). He would play his final year quarterbacking another SEC team, Arkansas, in 2020.
It’s been a while since Franks has thrown any passes of note, but he’s still playing football. In fact, Franks made his 54th regular-season NFL appearance on Sunday.
A few years ago, Franks made the position switch to tight end. He also plays special teams, and some of his hard hits were highlighted by the NFL’s official account in Week 1.
Former QB Feleipe Franks wasn't messing around on special teams 😳 @Panthers pic.twitter.com/mDLh9DRsZR
— NFL (@NFL) September 14, 2026
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Former Florida running back La’Mical Perine found amusement in seeing Franks, as well as fellow ex-Gator linebacker Jeremiah Moon, bring the big hits in special teams coverage. The three were all part of UF’s 2016 signing class under Jim McElwain.
That’s moon and franks them gator boys don’t play 😂😂😂 https://t.co/OWTVh6eVyC
— La’Mical Perine (@LP_deucedeuce) September 14, 2026
Franks is in his second stint with the Carolina Panthers. After going undrafted in 2021, Franks landed with the Atlanta Falcons and played quarterback for two seasons. He missed all of the 2023 season due to injury. Franks returned to the league as a tight end with the Carolina Panthers in 2024.
The Falcons brought back Franks, as a tight end, in 2025. He’s with the Panthers again to begin the 2026 season.
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Andrew writes about sports to fund his love of live music and collection of concert posters. He strongly endorses the Hall of Fame campaign of Fred Taylor.
