Former Arizona State linebacker and local TV and radio personality Jason Franklin has passed away, according to a Facebook post from his mother. He was 26 years old.
A linebacker from Simi Valley, California, Franklin joined ASU's football team as a walk-on in 2011 but went on to receive a scholarship. He was one of just six people to play for ASU football from 2011-15. He was a two-year letterwinner who appeared in three games, and he was named ASU's Glen Hawkins Scout Team Defensive MVP at the team's 2015 awards banquet.
Franklin earned a bachelor of science degree in communications from ASU in 2015. Per his LinkedIn page, Franklin had served as a writer and on-air host for NBC Sports 1060 AM in Phoenix, and he previously hosted his own show called "Franklin Knows Best" on KPNX in Phoenix. His most recent job title was media production director at G6 Sports and Entertainment.
Todd Graham, Franklin's coach at ASU, along with some of Franklin's teammates, took to Twitter on Sunday to pay their respects.
Prayers for Jason Franklin & Family R.I.P. #SunDevil4Life
— Todd Graham (@RealCoachGraham) July 16, 2018
J Frank 55 RIP #SunDevil4Life
— William Sutton (@SweetTeaWillie) July 15, 2018
J.Frank 🙏🏽 #SunDevil4Life .
— Jamil Douglas (@JamilDouglas_) July 15, 2018
Jason was a tremendous teammate and man! Made going to practice fun, every single day! He is going to be missed, until we meet him again! https://t.co/Hlkdz5pAFt
— Aaron Pflugrad (@aaronpflugrad) July 16, 2018
Lord I come to you with heavy hearts as I ask to lift up Jason Franklin family in this dreadful tragedy. I ask that you be with them in this time of need and comfort them with your love. Amen. As the bible says “to be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord”
— Carl Bradford (@CarlBradford_) July 15, 2018
This really hurt 😔 his best talent was making everybody around him smile!!! Forever my brother 🙌🏽 rest up pic.twitter.com/apwq0onmtN
— Antonio Longino (@Tony_3x) July 16, 2018
Jason Franklin you will be missed. Great guy always had a smile on his face. Truly one of a kind. #Sundevil4Life #55 R.I.P
— Brandon A. Magee (@BMagee53) July 16, 2018
One of the best days of my life I shared with you J Frank... I’m speechless... You were the definition of HFBB and I won’t ever forget the countless smiles you put on others faces... pic.twitter.com/xil1rxTSFL
— Fred Gammage III (@Fred_Gammage) July 16, 2018
