American defensive back Marloshawn Franklin Jr. has signed with the Vienna Vikings of the American Football League Europe, the team has announced.
The 29-year-old played eight games for the Edmonton 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 and B.C. Lions, though he never dressed for a regular-season game with either club. He also spent part of the 2025 season on the practice roster with the Calgary Stampeders.
Franklin Jr. spent the 2024 season in the European League of Football with the Rhein Fire, helping them win a league championship. Over seven regular-season games and three playoff contests, he recorded 38 total tackles, two forced fumbles, four fumble recoveries, four pass breakups, and three interceptions.
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.
The five-foot-eleven, 195-pound defender played two collegiate seasons at the University of California after transferring from Mesa Community College. He suited up for 22 games and made 14 starts for the Golden Bears, making 60 tackles, two tackles for loss, one sack and nine pass breakups.
