Getting to Know: Falcons CB Dominique Franks

Dominique Franks in 2010 vs the Cardinals

Today, I met up with second year corner back from the Atlanta Falcons, Dominique Franks. Franks, entering his second season is destined for a breakout year as he battles Chris Owens for the nickel corner back position on the Falcons heading into the regular season. Throughout the off-season and early into preseason, Franks has impressed  Falcons fans and the coaches with his maturity level and growth as a corner in just his second season. Some of his biggest moments so far was making two huge punt returns of  44 yards and 38 yards to set the Falcons in position to win the Dolphins game. Also, his ability to read routes and defend has given Franks the opportunity to start against the Jaguars last week and this upcoming week against the Pittsburgh Steelers. Before they left for Pittsburgh,we met up at Fox Sports Grill at Atlantic Station.  Here is the interview that took place between me and Franks today.


1. We see you on the field weekly on game days, but tell us who is Dominique Franks away from the football field???
Franks: Away from the football field, my family and teammates will tell you that I am a funny, but also a cool and laid back guy and I am always in a positive mood. Even though there are days when I get discouraged, I always try to stay positive through any circumstances.


2.What was your initial reaction the moment you were drafted by the Atlanta Falcons last season??
Franks: It was a lot of relief for me. As a young kid, I went through some tough experiences but when I turned 11 years old, watching my mom struggle from paycheck to paycheck, I told my mom that my dream would come true and she would never have to work another 9-5 job so when I got the call from the Falcons, it was one big party for my family and I. Before they selected me in the draft, the Falcons called me before they took me and informed me that I was going to be selected as a Falcons corner. I didn't believe it until I saw my name go across the screen and when my name was announced, it became one big party.


3. Did you experience any setbacks on your journey to the NFL??

Dominique Franks vs the Dolphins

Franks: Yes, I actually had a lot of setbacks in my personal life; however, I never questioned the works of God and going through those things made me a better man today. One of the biggest setbacks I experienced in my life was at the age of 15, losing my stepfather. He was the only father figure I had growing up and it unfortunately happened when I was getting close to him because now I was at the age where I knew he was not my biological father so I gave him a hard time and basically had the mindset of "He can't tell me what to do", but he was there daily to make sure my mom and I didn't hurt for anything.  Another tough thing was losing my dad, despite the fact that we would spend some weekends together, the month prior to his death was when my father and I really began to get close. We lived in different cities so he came to my city for a biker show in the local area and at that particular show, he lost his best friend. After that death, he developed a better relationship with God and he stopped cheating and selling drugs. He began to do everything he could to get his life back in order and we developed a better relationship. We started talking everyday; however, the night before he died, he rushed me off the phone which was unusual because we would talk for a long time so I didn't get the opportunity to tell him that "I love him". I also received a call from the University of Tennessee offering me a full ride to play football for them prior to our final conversation. When I received the news the next day, it was a week after my birthday and was another huge setback.


4. How did you overcome your obstacles and who were your main inspirations throughout your life?
Franks:I am so thankful for my family for being here in my life because if I didn't have my mom, I would be dead or in prison today but luckily, I had a great supporting cast around me and they helped shape me into the man that I am today.


5. Heading into the 2011 season, what improvements have you noticed in yourself and with the Falcons???

Franks against the Patriots in 2010

Franks: My maturity level. Being able to sit out my rookie season and watch how veterans such as Brent Grimes, Dunta Robinson, Thomas Decoud works hard and is able to perform at the highest level because your performance in the NFL is more valuable than your work ethic as a college football player. Week in and week out, you are playing someone who has kids, or married and they have to take care of many people so the games mean a lot more and you can develop with practice. You have to gain the mindset to study hard, train harder, and you have to put in perspective everything you have to do because in the NFL, it's not a game anymore but it is your job. As far as the Falcons point of view, everyone is a year older. We got most of our key players back this season and acquired some great additions in Julio Jones, Akeem Dent, but basically we are trying to build on the impact that we made in the 2010 season. We were 13-3 and the NFC South Champions and play our hardest and take it each day at a time. We can't allow a team to come out and be better on us that day so just our overall mindset and maturity will be a huge difference for our team.


6. In my previous blogs, I mentioned you as one of my breakout players this season. What can Falcons fans expect from you in 2011?
Franks: I don't want people to think I have a big head, but you can expect for me to work harder this time and make an impact this season and that is pretty big from my position and I will go out there and continue to learn from the guys who I play with on the field this season and I hope to make a lot of big plays on Sunday afternoons to help our teams come out with a victory.


7.Looking at the 2011 regular season, which team are you looking forward to playing against this season?
Franks: Actually, I have two teams who I am excited to face and they are the New Orleans Saints and the Houston Texans. I am ready to face the Saints because the wide receiver named Robert Meachem, who is from Tulsa, Oklahoma and a lot of trash talk went on between us from the defensive back versus receiver battle and that will be special for me because Meachem is the same guy I looked up to and admired how he conducted himself in high school and college and during the off-season, I was finally able to get in contact with him and help assist his camp,which was a big thing for me and we have been talking a lot of trash among us. My reason for facing the Houston Texans is due to receiver Jacoby Jones. Jones also worked the camp along with Meachem and myself and they were double-teaming me about our matchup this season. They don't really look at the Saints-Texans matchup as they do the Falcons-Texans or Falcons-Saints match ups this season so I am definitely looking forward to facing them this season.


8. What message do you have for anyone with goals or aspirations to make it into the NFL?
Franks: My message is not just for the NFL but for anyone in life that has a dream. Just work as hard as you can and don't let anybody tell you what you can and can not do. Nobody can write the story of your life but you and no matter what you go through, always remain focused despite any positive or negative situation because you can make all situations into a positive one and it will make you work even harder. The moment when I became a man was when I was 15 and I picked my mom up off the floor from crying shortly after my stepfather died. I took on the responsibility to take care of her but you must believe in yourself and show that you can come out on top. Despite all of my trials and tribulations, I am a walking testimony that made into the NFL, you know I may not be a doctor but you can look at my situation as "If he can make it, so can I". If you know that you can do something, you should put your mind to it and don't let anyone tell you that can't make it.


FINAL THOUGHTS:
After doing this interview with Franks, I must say that his mom and all of his family did a tremendous job raising him into the successful and inspiring young man that he is today. He used his story as a symbol of motivation to succeed in life not only as a NFL player, but a true role model to some of these young men out here. If this interview did not change your mind on Dominique Franks, then I honestly don't feel that you are giving him a solid chance to inspire your life and become a inspirational speaker to this generation. At the age of 23, I expect great things in his future and he will continue to be blessed whether it's in the NFL or life in general. This interview was one of the best and most inspiring interviews I have ever seen from a young man such as Franks and I hope all Falcons fans respect this man after this post. Until next time, FALCONS RISE UP!!!