Former Nebraska standout Franklin dies at age 47

LINCOLN, Neb. -- Former Nebraska fullback Andra Franklin died Wednesday in Lincoln of natural causes. He was 47.

Franklin's body was found by police at his Lincoln apartment. He had heart problems and other health issues in recent years, and friends said he suffered from congestive heart failure.

Franklin played football at Nebraska from 1977-80, rushing for 1,738 yards and 10 touchdowns.

He was drafted in the second round by the Miami Dolphins and played for four years in the NFL, starting in a Super Bowl and appearing on a Sports Illustrated cover.

But Franklin's career was cut short by a knee injury. He was done playing by the time he turned 26.

Franklin was divorced and living alone in Lincoln, where he had lived for most of the past 20 years. His son, A.J., played football this season at Emporia State and his daughter, Michaela, is an assistant volleyball coach at Northern Illinois.

Franklin recently was approved by the NFL for disability pay, and was preparing to move to Alabama to be closer to family.