As we inch closer to the kickoff of Super Bowl XLVIII between the Denver Broncos and Seattle Seahawks, CFC will be focusing the spotlight on three Canadian players who will be participating in the big game.
In today’s story, we feature Toronto, Ontario offensive tackle Orlando Franklin, who will be suiting up for the Broncos.
ORLANDO FRANKLIN:
The 6’7, 300 pound offensive tackle was drafted in the second round (46th overall) by the Broncos in the 2011 NFL Draft. Franklin has started in 47 games with the Broncos.
Previous to the Broncos, Franklin played in the NCAA for FBS Division 1 team, Miami Hurricanes from 2007 -2010. During his time with the Hurricanes, he started in 39 games.
His high school career was spent in Delray Beach, Florida, where he suited up for the Atlantic Community High School Eagles.
The Ontario offensive tackle began his gridiron journey at the age of nine as his long-time friend Shawn Williams brought him out to his first tyke practice in 1999 with the Scarborough Thunder Football Association.
Prior to Franklin’s departure for Florida, Bill Beattie had the privilege of instructing Franklin from 14-16 years of age with the Thunder. Beattie reflected on the dedication and commitment that the offensive tackle showed early on in his career.
“Orlando was a lot of fun to coach he has an amazing passion to be successful in both football and life,” recalled Beattie. “He never missed a practice in the three years I coached him because he just loved his teammates and it was a place he could escape what was going on away from football. “
“Because of his intensity and love for the game of football he wanted to play every position on the field and he believed he would be great at them all.”
With Franklin and two other Canadians advancing to Sunday’s Super Bowl XLVIII, it puts Canada in the football spotlight. Moreover, the Thunder is thrilled that they have the honour of knowing one of the three Canadians that will be participating the big game on Sunday.
“It’s great for football in Canada,” commented Beattie. “Having three Canadian players playing in the Super Bowl is amazing but actually knowing one it’s just so surreal.”
“Orlando playing in the Super Bowl is so surreal for all of us and we at Scarborough Thunder football Association we are all living this experience vicariously through Orlando. Our kids can play football with anyone, anywhere but we all know it’s about funding in sports and football is not the priority in Canada maybe this will bring more exposure to the game of football. It’s all about grassroots and getting the word out there that there is tackle football in Toronto for kids. Football is such a unique sport because it caters to all shapes, sizes and abilities.”
While Franklin is now an NFL star, he still values the importance of giving back to his community.
“Orlando is such an inspiration to us all he comes back every summer and speaks to our kids about succeeding in life and tells his story,” said Beattie. “Orlando started the Orlando Franklin foundation and puts on events for troubled youth in all areas of Toronto.”
“He also speaks at schools and tells his story about his trials and tribulations. It speaks volumes of how the game of Football and his stardom has not changed this humble young man from Toronto.”
Ultimately, the Thunder Football Association will be coming together on Sunday to root for one of their own to hoist the Vince Lombardi Trophy for the first time in his career.
“All of Scarborough Thunder Football Association are loud and proud of Orlando and we will all be cheering him on together this Sunday at an Orlando Franklin Super Bowl viewing at Seneca College,” added Beattie. “It’s free for all the kids and also put on by the Orlando Franklin Foundation.”
(twitter: http://twitter.com/vohra_ameeta)
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