Stampeders bring ELF champion DB Marloshawn Franklin Jr. back to CFL

Photo: Timothy Matwey/3DownNation. All rights reserved.

The Calgary Stampeders have signed American defensive back Marloshawn Franklin Jr. to their training camp roster.

The 28-year-old spent the latter half of last season in the European League of Football after being cut by the Edmonton Elks prior to the season. In seven regular-season games and three playoff contests with the Rhein Fire, he amassed 38 total tackles, two forced fumbles, four fumble recoveries, four pass breakups, and three interceptions. He contributed six tackles in the Dusseldorf squad’s ELF championship victory over the Vienna Vikings.

It marked Franklin’s second stint in Europe after previously playing for the Hamburg Sea Devils in 2021. He made 22 tackles, two interceptions, and two forced fumbles in six games with the team that year, which was the ELF’s inaugural season.

Franklin played eight games for the Elks in 2023, making several starts at safety. He recorded 28 defensive tackles and one interception in his time with the team. The native of Detroit, Mich. was previously a member of the Ottawa Redblacks in 2022 and B.C. Lions in 2019, though he never dressed for a regular-season game.

The five-foot-11, 195-pound defender played two collegiate seasons at California after transferring from Mesa Community College. He suited up for 22 games and made 14 starts for the Golden Bears, recording 60 tackles, two tackles for loss, one sack and nine pass breakups.