By Stampeders.com staff

When Arjei Franklin walked away from football in 2012, he admits he was at a bit of a loss for a short period.

“It felt like something was missing,” said Franklin, whose seven-year CFL career included three-and-a-half seasons with the Stampeders. “It was like I had to find my identity after having been a football player for the previous 14 years.”

It didn’t take long for the former receiver to find new roles.

For starters, he’s working as a teacher for Grades 2-4 at Windsor Adventist Elementary School, a small private Catholic institution in Windsor, Ont.

“I have a great group of kids,” said Franklin. “I’m enjoying it very much and it’s definitely very different than life on the gridiron.

“And the two most important roles for me right now is being a husband (to wife Afia) and a father (to sons Miles and Ely). It’s a very comfortable and satisfying life and football is just a distant memory now even though it’s been less than three years since I retired.”

Franklin admits he’s surprised how easy it was to leave the game behind, but there was a twinge of emotion this past Nov. 30 when his former Stamps teammates hoisted the Grey Cup.

“I really, really wanted to be there celebrating with them,” he said. “We were so close in 2012 and I know how much finally being able to win meant to those guys after being a contender every year. I was so happy for them, but I do wish I could have been there with them to help celebrate.”

Franklin became a Stampeder in September of 2009 as Calgary acquired he and fellow receiver Romby Bryant in a trade with Winnipeg. Franklin and Bryant were teammates for a total of five years with the Blue Bombers and Stampeders.

“When you’re on a football team, you’re friends with all the guys but often when a player gets traded or released, you lose touch,” said Franklin. “But Romby and I have remained close. I attended his wedding last year and I continued to remain in contact with him for the rest of his career and I’ll continue to stay in contact with him now that we’re both retired.”

Franklin was small in stature — he stood just five-foot-nine — but big on character during his playing career. He contributed both on offence — 168 career catches for 1,952 yards and three touchdowns — as well as on special teams as the holder for extra points and field goals.

Few players were held in higher regard by teammates and staff members during his career.

“Arjei was a consummate professional and an asset to the Stampeders both on and off the field,” said Stampeders head coach and general manager John Hufnagel when Franklin announced his retirement. “Arjei always carried himself with class and dignity. He was a tremendously respected teammate and a pillar of the community.”