First things first - I hope each and every one of Cheesehead TV's readers, writers and their families had an eventful and safe Independence Day. That means you as well, Jason Pierre-Paul.

Just a notch over two years ago, former Packers running back and UCLA star Johnathan Franklin was prepping for his own fourth of July with his friends and family. Only this time, unlike the gatherings in the past, it would be without football.

Franklin had provided a positive outlook for the future of the Packers' running game, despite his sluggish preaseason showing. Through the four affairs, Franklin tallied an abysmal 45 yards on 21 hand-offs. With Eddie Lacy and James Starks in the early stages of their partnership in the rushing attack, Franklin didn't see the backfield until a week three contest in Cincinnati.

Against Cincinnati, Franklin carried the rock 13 times for 103 yards and a touchdown with Lacy out of the lineup due to a concussion and Starks being forced to exit late in the first half with an injury of his own. At the time, not many could foresee the future with Lacy whom the Packers had selected in the second-round of the Draft. So with Franklin churning his way onto the scene, this provided hope. Especially for a team who hadn't had a 1,000-yard rusher since 2009. 

Obviously, as the 2013 campaign went along, Lacy ended up breaking that four-year drought. 

Alas, as Lacy's career had begun to flourish, another player's career hit a wall by the name of A.J. Jefferson.

On the opening kickoff return of a week 12 contest against the visiting Vikings, Franklin collided head-on with Jefferson and simultaneously fumbled in the process. It was the last time he would suit up for the Green and Gold and the last time he would play professional football. The Packers released him the following offseason.

"It's never easy releasing a player, but it's especially difficult when a young man's opportunity is taken away from him because of an injury," said Packers general manager Ted Thompson. "Jonathan is a great person, a wonderful teammate, and a man that lives by his faith. The Packers are fortunate to have had the chance to work wtih him and we know that he will excel in whatever the future holds for him. He will always be a member of the Packers family."

Just like that, all of the promise both on special teams and in the running game with Franklin had been wiped away in one fatal swoop. Had Franklin remained healthy, what role would he have played in the Packers' offense? Would he still even be on the roster? Unanswered questions that would require the useful tactic of assumption. 

Between the thunderous running style of Lacy and the quick, one-cut manuevering of Starks, it's likely Franklin wouldn't have been too big of a factor for opposing sides to figure out. However, a third-down option with a running back whose versatility matches his elusiveness opens a variety of options on how to utilize him. 

Many had compared both Franklin's style and body type to that of Darren Sproles, although Franklin would loom over him by four inches in the height department. The similarities in their playing styles were evident. 

Unfortunately, much like Sterling Sharpe, Jermichael Finley, Nick Collins, Terrence Murphy, Johnny Holland and many more, Franklin fell victim to the plague that has seemed to haunt Packer standouts through the years - head, neck and spine injuries. Fans may never know what Franklin could've brought to the table or if the Packers whiffed on selecting him in the fourth round of the 2013 Draft. 

Whether he would've been a menace on the field or not remains in question, but his passion for the game never deterred. Franklin went on to work in the team's front office to assist in business development and marketing sales before making the move to become the student welfare administrator at Notre Dame. Working behind the scenes is what the 26-year old has been limited to in life after football, but he doesn't exactly mind that.

He spoke to the Journal Sentinel just last year regarding his current outlook on his career and the path he's venturing down.

"Absolutely love it. I have an opportunity to be in charge of 750 student-athletes, creating these outreach programs. And I just became the liason for five different teams and I have the opportunity to meet with the head coaches and develop captains and leaders amongst the teams... I'd love to make my way back to California down the road even if it's an opportunity in Green Bay being in the front office. I do have goals. I do have dreams. Playing in the NFL and my career ending so abruptly, I take things one day at a time."

While Franklin remains at peace with himself in his new chapter of life, you'd almost have to bet he'd rather be out there helping the Packers bring home that slippery fifth Lombardi.