CARDS: Action Packed Rookies 1990, Action Packed 1991, Action Packed 1992, Gameday 1992, Score Supplemental 1990, Pro Set 1990
ACQUIRED: Paid Signing, 2023

CAREER SNAPSHOT:

• James played LB at Baylor (1986-’89) where over his career he posted 434 total career tackles.
• In 1989, he set an NCAA single-season record with eight blocked kicks.
• Earned SWC Player of the Year honors in 1989, when he totaled 129 total tackles, 4 interceptions for 99 yards, 8 sacks, and 3 fumble recoveries.
• He also moonlighted on the Baylor basketball team as well in the off season.
• A first round pick of the Cincinnatti Bengals in 1990, he had 78 combined tackles, 8 sacks, and an interception that he returned 17 yards for a TD at ROLB.
• He’d convert to LOLB in 1992, and add 6 more sacks to his resume and another 3 picks for 108 yards including a 66 yard TD.
• In 1994, Francis had a career high 101 total tackles when he moved to LLB.
• Added another 3 pick season in 1996, returning another one 42 yards for a TD.
• Joined the Redskins in 1999, playing there for one season.
• Retired before he turned 32, citing that it wasn’t fun anymore and that losing just drags on you after a while.
• Lives in Central Texas, and has kicked the tires on going into coaching.

ACCOLADES:

• All Rookie Team 1990
• Baylor Hall of Fame 2001

NOTES:

James doesn’t sign TTM so I had to get as many of his cards signed as I could through a very affordable paid signing.

It’s said that Jimmy Johnson of the Cowboys during the 1990 draft really wanted to draft James Francis in the first round to man his defense over eventual Hall of Famer Emmitt Smith. He didn’t get the chance to debate it as Francis went off the board at #12 overall and Smith went off at #17. One has to wonder how the trajectory of the Cowboys might have been altered if Francis was still sitting on the board at #17.

Francis makes an appearance in Tecmo Superbowl where he’s a pretty solid option to play at LB.

TAC	SAC	FUM	INT	YDS	AVG	TD	LG
562	33.5	11	11	205	18.6	3	66t