Red Franklin

Norman Clifford "Red" Franklin (December 13, 1911 – May 16, 1947) was an American football running back who played in the National Football League (NFL) for the Brooklyn Dodgers from 1935 to 1937. He played college football at Oregon State University, earning All-American honors in 1933 .

Biography Early life

Norman Franklin was born December 13, 1911, in Hope, Rhode Island. He attended high school at Long Beach Polytechnic High School in Long Beach, California.

College career

Franklin was fleet of foot, timed at 9.9 seconds in the 100-yard dash, and played football collegiately for the Oregon State College Beavers. He gained the nickname "Red" from his hair color and was memorably dubbed by one sportswriter "the red-headed riot from Long Beach." In addition to his skill as a runner and return man, Franklin was highly proficient as a defensive back as well, intercepting two passes in the USC game, including a desperation pass as time expired, sealing the tie for OSC.

Later life

After leaving the NFL, Franklin operated a grocery store in Lacomb, Oregon, an unincorporated community 10 miles north of Lebanon, Oregon. It was there that he suffered a serious heart attack on May 14, 1947. After three days in the hospital, Franklin succumbed to this health crisis, dying on May 16 at the age of 36.