Zaire Franklin has an All-Pro honor and a Pro Bowl appearance on his resumè, having built a career as one of the most consistent locker room leaders and consistently productive linebackers across the NFL. This offseason, the Green Bay Packers acquired Franklin in a trade with the Indianapolis Colts, in hopes of elevating the rest of the defense, especially emerging star Edgerrin Cooper, playing alongside him.

Landing in Green Bay on the heels of a 62-tackle and two-sack 2025 campaign, Franklin opens up about his goals for the upcoming season, what he envisions it being like playing in the middle of a defense surrounded by the likes of All-Pros Micah Parsons and Xavier McKinney, while getting real on the linebackers he’s emulated and who have pushed him throughout his career.

Airing select Sundays throughout the NFL offseason, the Between The Hashmarks Podcast Interview is hosted by NFL reporter Matt Lombardo, joined by current or former NFL players and top NFL Draft prospects sharing their best moments and opening up about the journey of their 2025 NFL season, how they’re preparing for the 2026 season, and much more.

Hosted by: Matt Lombardo

Guest: Zaire Franklin, LB, Green Bay Packers

Episode: 84

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