Zaire Franklin was blessed to be selected in the 2018 NFL Draft by the Indianapolis Colts, and now the seventh round pick wants to pay it forward by giving back to his hometown of Philadelphia.
According to Syracuse.com, the former Syracuse linebacker popped up on Kenderton School in North Philly and announced his plan to provide uniforms for every student in kindergarten through fifth grade.
No stranger to community service, Franklin previously helped donate backpacks and supplies to elementary schools in Central New York through SU’s Omega Psi Phi fraternity chapter. He’s also participated in events run by Philly’s Finest, a 7-on-7 program operated by Eric Taylor, a coach and father figure of Franklin’s.Some students at Kenderton currently only have one uniform, which has to be worn every day, Taylor said.
Taylor, who estimated about 320 students will receive uniforms, said Franklin spearheaded the project, connecting French Toast, a uniform company, Kenderton School and the Indianapolis Colts, who supported their rookie in the endeavor.
Franklin’s story is one of grit and survival, as he overcame poverty and death of important people in his life, to graduate from Syracuse and fulfill a promise.
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