Colts’ Zaire Franklin Pens Message to Fans

The Indianapolis Colts embark on their offseason preparations after finishing the 2024 regular season at 8-9 following a Week 18 victory over the lowly Jacksonville Jaguars. The Colts already got to work on changes, departing from three-year defensive coordinator Gus Bradley, marking a new age of defensive coaching in the Circle City.

However, one of the bigger talking points (outside of Bradley) for Indy’s defense was the actions during the season of team captain, Pro Bowler, and NFL league leader in tackling Zaire Franklin. The former Syracuse alum has given fans several emotions through statements and spats with media personalities like Pat McAfee, and controversy on his and his teammate E.J. Speed’s show, The Trenches Podcast.

Recently after the regular campaign came to a close, Franklin spoke to Colts fans through social media, emphasizing that he let too many outside distractions affect his performance on/off the field.

 

Indy fans!

 

Listen, I made some mistakes! I let something’s get to me that they shouldn’t and did something things I wish I could take back

 

But understand my heart was always right! And ima learn and be better because of it !#Fortheshoe

Franklin had arguably his best season as a Colts linebacker, tallying 173 tackles (11 for loss), 3.5 sacks, five fumbles forced, six passes defended, and two interceptions. While Pro Football Focus indicates Franklin whiffed on 22 tackles, overall, Franklin improved and began forcing turnovers and making plays in opposing backfields.

Franklin’s status on the team isn’t changing, but his attitude can use some work for the 2025 season. After finishing with another lackluster record, Franklin will need to implement a fire in the offseason to continue improvements, as well as momentum gained, from his first-ever Pro Bowl performance.