Quick Facts
Biography
Robert Joseph Francois (born May 14, 1985) is an American football linebacker who is currently a free agent. He last played for the Green Bay Packers of the National Football League who he won Super Bowl XLV with against the Pittsburgh Steelers. He was signed by the Minnesota Vikings as an undrafted free agent in 2009. He played college football at Boston College.
Francois has also been a member of the Detroit Lions.
Early years
Francois played tight end and safety for the Governor Dummer Academy. As a senior he gained Team MVP and All-New England honors. He was a two-time All-Independent League first-team selection and played in the 2004 Massachusetts Shriners Football Classic. Francois also excelled on GDA's basketball and track teams. In 2003, he won the New England Class C 100-meter title. Before attending GDA, Francois went to Ross Sterling High School in Baytown, Texas.
College career
After redshirting in 2004, Francois played in all twelve games in 2005. He registered 28 tackles (16 solos), 2.0 tackles for loss, one fumble recovery, making at least one tackle in every game. His first collegiate action came during the season opener at Brigham Young and made his first tackle late in the first quarter. He finished the game with one unassisted tackle and one assisted. He made one solo tackle against Boise State in the MPC Computers Bowl.
Francois played in all thirteen games in 2006, starting in seven. He had 52 tackles, 29 solo stops, 3.5 tackles for loss, and recovered three fumbles. He had four tackles (two solo) against Navy in the Meineke Car Care Bowl.
Francois finished the 2007 season with 39 total tackles (26 solos), 2 tackles for loss, and 0.5 sacks in thirteen games. He made five tackles (three solo) and including an assist on a tackle-for-loss against Virginia Tech in the ACC Championship. He registered 3 solo tackles in BC's win over Michigan State in the Champs Sports Bowl.
Francois started every game as a senior after Brian Toal broke his leg.
Professional career
Minnesota Vikings
After going undrafted in the 2009 NFL Draft, Francois was signed by the Minnesota Vikings as an undrafted free agent. He was waived on August 18 after the team signed quarterback Brett Favre.
Detroit Lions
Francois was claimed off waivers by the Detroit Lions on August 19, 2009. He was waived on August 30.
Green Bay Packers
Francois was signed to the Green Bay Packers practice squad December 7, 2009. On January 11, 2010 Francois signed a reserve/future contract. On October 13, 2010 he was promoted to the active roster due to the injuries of Nick Barnett and Brandon Chillar. Francois was released on November 9, 2010 but re-added to the practice squad on November 15. Francois was then reactivated for the December 5, 2010 game and remained on Packers active roster for the rest of the season and post-season including Super Bowl XLV
On March 15, 2013, Francois re-signed with the Packers on a one-year deal.