A former Syracuse linebacker is on pace to break a team record with the Indianapolis Colts.
LB Zaire Franklin, a team captain for Indy, recorded 10 tackles in a 54-19 loss to the Dallas Cowboys Sunday and is now tied for second in the NFL with 131 total tackles this season. He’s also on pace for 171 tackles this season, which would break the Colts’ current record of 163 — set by injured teammate Shaquille Leonard during his rookie season with Indianapolis.
“What’s most impressive is that these aren’t just non-impactful tackles or tackles that are being made way downfield. Franklin has been making a lot of key stops for a dominant defense. Although the Colts currently have a losing record, it isn’t because of Franklin and the defense,” Fansided wrote.
Fansided also points out that Leonard set the record in a 16-game season while only playing 15 games, but the feat is an impressive step up for Franklin, who had toiled for four seasons largely on special teams or as Leonard’s backup. Leonard has missed most of the season with injuries and isn’t expected to return this year after undergoing back surgery last month.
Franklin, a seventh round pick in the 2018 NFL Draft, showed similar success at Syracuse University with 311 career tackles over 48 games. He was an All-ACC selection twice and the Orange’s first three-time team captain since 1896; now he wears SU’s legendary No. 44 for the Colts.
Here’s how football players with Syracuse and Central New York ties did during Week 13:
Chandler Jones, LB, Las Vegas Raiders
Jones, a Rochester native who played three seasons as a defensive end at Syracuse University, broke out of a dry spell with three sacks against Los Angeles. He also had six tackles total and five QB hits.
Last game: Raiders 27, Chargers 20
Next game: Raiders at Rams, Thursday 8:15 p.m.
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Zaire Franklin, LB, Indianapolis Colts
Former Syracuse linebacker Zaire Franklin, a team captain for Indy, recorded 10 tackles against Dallas and is now tied for second in the NFL with 131 tackles this season.
Last game: Cowboys 54, Colts 19
Next game: Colts at Vikings, Dec. 18
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Riley Dixon, P, Los Angeles Rams
Syracuse University and Christian Brothers Academy alum Riley Dixon kicked three punts for an average of 54.7 yards.
Last game: Seahawks 27, Rams 23
Next game: Seahawks at L.A. Rams, Sunday at 4:05 p.m.
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Latavius Murray, RB, Denver Broncos
The former Onondaga Central High School football star, who started the season with the New Orleans Saints, had 17 carries for 47 yards and four catches for 14 yards.
Last game: Ravens 10, Broncos 9
Next game: Chiefs at Broncos, Sunday at 4:15 p.m.
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Andre Cisco, S, Jacksonville Jaguars
Ex-Orange football star Andre Cisco, who leads the Jags with three interceptions this season, was inactive this week after being listed as questionable with a shoulder injury.
Last game: Lions 40, Jaguars 14
Next game: Jaguars at Titans, Sunday at 1 p.m.
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Kingsley Jonathan, DE, Buffalo Bills
Jonathan, a rookie defensive lineman out of Syracuse University, signed with the Buffalo Bills practice squad this month after getting waived by the Chicago Bears halfway through the season.
Last game: Bills 24, Patriots 10
Next game: Jets at Bills, Sunday 1 p.m.
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Justin Pugh, LG, Arizona Cardinals
Former Orange offensive lineman Justin Pugh is out for the season after suffering a knee injury. Pugh is the team’s 2022 Salute to Service Award nominee.
Last game: Chargers 25, Cardinals 24
Next game: Patriots at Cardinals, Dec. 12 at 8:15 p.m.
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Alton Robinson, DE, Seattle Seahawks
The former Syracuse defensive end, who mixed it up on defense and special teams in his second NFL season last year, remains out with a knee injury.
Last game: Seahawks 27, Rams 23
Next game: Panthers at Seahawks, Sunday at 4:25 p.m.
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Ifeatu Melifonwu, S, Detroit Lions
The former SU cornerback, who moved to the safety position for his second NFL season, has returned to practice after suffering an ankle injury.
Last game: Lions 40, Jaguars 14
Next game: Vikings at Lions, Sunday at 1 p.m.
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Syracuse University alumni on the sidelines include Denver Broncos head coach Nathaniel Hackett, Broncos offensive coach Justin Outten, New England Patriots offensive line coach Matt Patricia, Pittsburgh Steelers defensive coach Teryl Austin, and New Orleans Saints offensive line coach Doug Marrone. Former SU head coach Paul Pasqualoni was fired by the Carolina Panthers as defensive line coach halfway through the 2022 season.