What happens when your biggest dream ends overnight—and you have to rebuild everything? In this powerful episode of Be Crazy, former NFL running back Jonathan Franklin opens up about his life after a career-ending injury, his mental health battles, and how he found purpose leading social justice initiatives with the LA Rams.
From setting records at UCLA to becoming a voice for underserved communities, Jonathan’s story is one of resilience, faith, vulnerability, and transformation. He shares how community, mentorship, and fatherhood redefined his identity—and why sitting with discomfort might just be the way forward.
👉 Whether you're an athlete, parent, coach, or simply someone searching for purpose, this conversation will move you.
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🎧 Listen to the full episode on Spotify, Apple Podcasts & more.
#JonathanFranklin #MentalHealth #NFL #BeCrazyPodcast #SocialJustice #UCLA #Transformation #Purpose #Faith #CommunityHealing #PostTraumaticGrowth
⏱️ YouTube Chapters:
00:00 - Opening & Gratitude for Jonathan Franklin
02:22 - Football Legacy & Early Identity
05:26 - Pediatric Hospital Visits & Logan's Story
08:15 - From UCLA to the NFL Draft
13:32 - The Hit That Changed Everything
17:04 - Emotional Fallout & Loss of Identity
21:06 - Embracing Vulnerability & Starting Over
29:00 - Social Justice Through Football
36:45 - Athlete Mental Health & Community Impact
41:21 - Life After the NFL & Ministry Work
47:06 - Equity in Education & Mentorship
52:44 - Fatherhood, Legacy & the Future
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