Packers Release Johnathan Franklin Due to Neck Injury

On Thursday, we learned from Green Bay Packers running back Johnathan Franklin that his career was coming to an abrupt and early end due to a neck injury. On Friday afternoon, the team announced that it has released Franklin from the roster as a result of the injury.

Ted Thompson spoke briefly on the move and about Franklin:

It’s never easy releasing a player, but it's especially difficult when a young man's opportunity is taken away from him because of an injury. Johnathan is a great person, a wonderful teammate, and a man that lives by his faith ... He will always be a member of the Packers family.

Franklin joins an ever-growing list of Packers who have suffered neck injuries which ended their football careers too early, a list which could still grow depending on the status of tight end Jermichael Finley.

Once again, we wish Franklin the best in his future endeavors outside of football.

A year ago, Franklin participated in the NFLPA's Rookie Premiere and spoke to SB Nation's Dan Rubenstein. To get a further idea of the kind of person Franklin is, check out the video below.