James was the University of Missouri starting quarterback from 2011 to 2013. He is a talented you man, but more importantly he is dedicated to God.
In a 2012 interview with The Christian Chronicle, James talked about the faith of his parents, Willie and Pam Franklin. “I have been blessed with two strong and great Christian parents who instilled Christian values in me as I was growing up under their roof. Because of this, I am able to remain strong with my beliefs by reading any Bible frequently and being around Christians. Those are the things that help me keep and maintain my spiritual beliefs. No matter what stage I am on, I always put God first,” stated Franklin.
James grew up in Corinth, Texas. He is the son of well-known minister and former NFL-er Willie Franklin, who played for the Baltimore Colts. His father is black, his mother white. He celebrates that fact and the fact he is not just an athlete, but also a Christian athlete. He makes Christianity the cornerstone of his life.
He chose to attend the University of Missouri – Columbia and play for the fighting Mizzou Tigers. In his freshman year he was a back-up quarterback to Blain Gabbert. He ran for 116 yards on 23 carries with two touchdowns. When Gabbert entered the NFL Draft he became the starting quarterback.
As a sophomore, he started all 13 games for Mizzou, leading them to an 8 – 5 record. He completed 63.3% of his passes for 2,865 yards, and 21 touchdowns. Franklin also rushed 217 times for just under 1,000 yards and 15 touchdowns. Once of his best games game against the Texas Longhorns when he led Missouri to their first win since 1997 over Texas.
Franklin was named MVP of the Independence Bowl after leading Missouri to a 41-24 victory over the Tar Heels of North Carolina. In 2012, James had to have surgery on his throwing shoulder; however he was able to appear in nine games that season. As a senior in 2013, he appeared in 10 games, missing four due to injury. He finished the season with 2,429 passing yards, 19 touchdowns and in his final college game, he helped lead the Mizzou Tigers to a victory in the 2014 Cotton Bowl over the Oklahoma State Cowboys in his home state of Texas.
Willie Franklin is a former professional football player for the Baltimore Colts and the Los Angeles Rams from 1971 - 1974. He is a dynamic speaker with a unique ability to motivate all for greater service to God through his preaching and song leading. Willis is also a graduate of the University of Oklahoma and Harding School of Biblical Studies.
Please join the Bernie Church of Christ on Saturday and Sunday for The Youth Emphasis evening worship.
On Sunday, January 4th, Willie will present lessons at 9:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. and James will present a lesson at 10:15 a.m. There will be a Pot Luck meal following the morning worship service.
If you would like more information call 573-293-5620.
