Carolina Panthers safety Sam Franklin, who made the start in place of an injured Xavier Woods, created some history very early on in Sunday’s matchup against the Minnesota Vikings.
On the very first drive of the game, one that was actually propelled by a 45-yard pass interference penalty on the veteran defensive back, Franklin jumped the route of wide receiver K.J. Osborn and picked off quarterback Kirk Cousins. He proceeded to take the takeaway for a 99-yard trip to the end zone, helping give the Panthers a 7-0 lead just five minutes into the contest.
Buy Panthers TicketsSam Franklin from the one-yard line. 99-yard Pick-6 for Carolina!
📺: #MINvsCAR on FOX
📱: Stream on #NFLPlus https://t.co/Jq9JHUeqb6 pic.twitter.com/8FIfPD1zDh— NFL (@NFL) October 1, 2023
Franklin’s return now stands as the longest in franchise history, breaking the previous record of 97 yards by future Pro Football Hall of Famer and future Hall of Honor inductee Julius Peppers.
Here’s how the Carolina fans over on Twitter reacted to the huge play:
🗣 FRANKLIN TO THE HOOOUUSSSEEEE!!! #KEEPPOUNDING
— Quentin…Panthers 0-3 😒 (@ItzMcDonaldFor3) October 1, 2023
LETS GOOOOO SAM FRANKLIN pic.twitter.com/FX2Tambayw
— Uncle Charlie (Panthers 0-3) (@LastNameWiIson) October 1, 2023
SAM FRANKLIN JR YOU BEAUTIFUL MAN #KeepPounding
— kylie (@twistedhipsies) October 1, 2023
Holy Sam Franklin Jr. ..way to redeem#Panthers
— Mike Markland (@CoachMarkland) October 1, 2023
YESSSSSSSSSS! Sam Franklin totally made up for the PI!
— Demi 🏋🏻♀️🧘🏻♀️🏈🏀🛼🌸 (@Demisfit2000) October 1, 2023
Apologize to Sam Franklin
— You Are The Problem. (@UglierInPerson) October 1, 2023
Franklin’s my boy https://t.co/aX1uARSMbJ
— Carolina Panthers 365 (@PantherPride365) October 1, 2023
Y’all was talking GREASY on Sam Franklin name too
— IamMontyFetti 🖤💙✊🏾 (@WestsideFetti) October 1, 2023
What a roller coaster of a drive for Sam Franklin
— Rob Davenport (@RobDavenport86) October 1, 2023
Sam Franklin just built different. Even when he take a L, you know that get back coming
— The 4 Man Rush (@4ourmanrush) October 1, 2023
Sam Franklin after that PI penalty pic.twitter.com/GjgRIlChhl
— J.J. Sanders ♈️ (@J_J_Sanders) October 1, 2023
