Zaire Franklin is now in Green Bay, and the move already gives the Packers something different at linebacker. The trade came in March, with the Colts sending Franklin to the Packers in exchange for DL Colby Wooden. He arrives with a strong NFL resume and a clear role in mind.
On the field, he is a straight-ahead, high-volume tackler who has seen almost everything in his eight seasons. Off the field, his name also fits into a growing space in Wisconsin where NFL players show up at business events and fan gatherings. That side of football has become just as visible around Green Bay in recent years.
Packers LB Zaire Franklin Brings Both Football Value and Off-field Interest In Wisconsin
Nov 23, 2025; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Indianapolis Colts linebacker Zaire Franklin (44) on the sidelines against the Kansas City Chiefs during the game at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-Imagn Images
Franklin’s football profile is easy to trace. He broke out in 2024 with the Indy, finishing second-team All-Pro after piling up 173 tackles, plus 3.5 sacks, 2 interceptions, and five forced fumbles. That season also earned him a Pro Bowl nod. Since being drafted in the seventh round out of Syracuse in 2018, he has built his career through steady snaps, not flash. He has missed only one game in his entire NFL run and has started full-time over the past several seasons.
The Packers are adding him to a defense under coordinator Jonathan Gannon, where his job will likely stay simple. Stop the run, stay active in the middle, and keep plays in front of him. His production numbers show why teams trust him in that role. Even when his 2025 season dipped compared to his peak year, his experience still stands out in a young linebacker group.
Beyond football, Franklin’s name also connects to Wisconsin’s growing sports event scene. Famous organizations like Mayfield Sports Marketing, a Wisconsin booking agency for NFL players, work with athletes for corporate appearances, meet-and-greets, and speaking events. You can hire Green Bay Packers players for corporate events and for community events in Wisconsin. The company, built in Wisconsin and active since the early 2010s, focuses on linking athletes with local businesses and fan events across the state. That setup has made Packers players and visiting NFL veterans part of regular community and brand programs.
Also, legends like Antonio Freeman, Gilbert Brown, Desmond Howard, and Ahman Green further strengthened Green Bay’s legacy through iconic playoff moments, championship success, and long-lasting connections with Packers fans
Franklin’s background also helps his off-field profile. He led Syracuse as a three-time captain and built a foundation called Shelice’s Angels in memory of his mother and grandmother. That mix of leadership and community work is often what event organizers look for when booking athletes.
For the Packers, the trade is mainly about defense. But in Wisconsin, where football and community events often overlap, Franklin’s arrival adds another familiar name to both conversations.
