What Leading NFL in Tackles Meant for Zaire Franklin Off the Field

Indianapolis Colts linebacker Zaire Franklin led the NFL in tackles. Besides earning him a Pro Bowl and All-Pro honors, it gave him another opportunity off the field.
Indianapolis Colts linebacker Zaire Franklin (44) reacts after sacking Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Mac Jones (10) in overtime Sunday, Jan. 5, 2025, during a game at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis.
Indianapolis Colts linebacker Zaire Franklin (44) reacts after sacking Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Mac Jones (10) in overtime Sunday, Jan. 5, 2025, during a game at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. / Grace Hollars/IndyStar / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
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Indianapolis Colts linebacker Zaire Franklin just completed the most decorated season of his seven-year career. He earned his first Pro Bowl. He earned his first All-Pro (Second-Team) nod. However, despite leading the NFL in tackles, it's what those 173 tackles allowed Franklin to do off the field that resulted in another significant source of pride.

Franklin took to X on Tuesday to announce that, through his partnership with Coca-Cola Consolidated, they were able to donate $16,000 to the Midwest Foodbank of Indiana. Before the season, Franklin pledged $44 (his jersey number) for every tackle that he accumulated over the season.

Franklin posted on X:

"Happy to announce that our first 'Tackling Hunger' campaign was a success! Thank you to our partners at [Coca-Cola] with their help we were able to donate $16,000 to the Midwest Foodbank of Indiana to combat food insecurity. Thanks to all the fans who supported!"

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In his third year as the starting MIKE linebacker for the Colts, Franklin once again ranked in the top three in Colts franchise history in tackles in a single season. He broke the record in 2022 with 167 tackles, broke his own record again in 2023 with 179 tackles, and then recorded the second-most in 2024 with his 173 takedowns.

Along with his league-leading tackle numbers, Franklin notched 11 tackles for loss, 6 pass breakups, and new career-highs in sacks (3.5), forced fumbles (5), and interceptions (2).

The donation to the Midwest Foodbank of Indiana is the latest philanthropic effort of Franklin, who was named the Colts' Walter Payton Man of the Year in 2023 in recognition of the impact of his organization, Shelice's Angels.


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Jake Arthur
JAKE ARTHUR

Jake Arthur has covered the NFL and the Indianapolis Colts for a decade. He is a member of the Professional Football Writers of America (PFWA) and FantasyPros' expert panel. He has also contributed to multiple NFL Draft guides.