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Many NFL players shine on the field, but not all translate that success into thriving businesses — Zaire Franklin is making it happen. The Indianapolis Colts linebacker has teamed up with his longtime mentor, Eric Taylor, to open a Rita’s Italian Ice & Frozen Custard franchise.
Taylor was coaching youth football in Philadelphia, PA, when he met a 9-year-old Franklin, and their bond quickly developed. While he acknowledges that it may sound “crazy” for an adult to have much in common with a younger person, that’s exactly what it was like when he met Franklin.
“I think the basis and foundation of our relationship comes with the love of our grandmothers,” Taylor shared in an interview with AFROTECH™. “At the time, when Zaire was a young guy, his grandmother was instrumental in his life. She was at all the football games, she was very supportive.”
Taylor had a similar bond with his own grandmother, so when Franklin lost both his mother and grandmother just months apart in 2013, their connection deepened.
They eventually navigated the college recruitment process together, spending countless hours on the road and having meaningful conversations, which set the stage for Franklin’s collegiate career at Syracuse University in New York from 2014 to 2017. The Colts drafted him in the seventh round of the 2018 NFL Draft.
While Taylor provided guidance in football, his mentorship has gone beyond the sport, helping to shape Franklin’s personal and professional goals and fuel the success of their first Rita’s location.
In addition to their love for their grandmothers, there’s another key element in the foundation of their relationship: trust.
“He trusts me, I trust him, which led to a business relationship,” Taylor said. For athletes at Franklin’s level, finding trustworthy allies can be challenging, he adds, but Taylor emphasizes that their shared values and commitment strengthen their partnership.
“I’m not going to do anything that’s going to be detrimental to him and vice versa,” he said. “And I’m going to look out for his best interests as he does for mine.”
Taylor told AFROTECH™ that he and Franklin have nostalgic memories of Rita’s in Philly. They recall many happy times spent socializing over tasty treats, noticing that the franchise’s impact wasn’t the same in Indianapolis, IN.
With their new venture, they aim to introduce a beloved hometown tradition to new communities, envisioning Rita’s as a cultural bridge and a source of happiness. Taylor says the two want to create a welcoming environment where they can serve a product they proudly support, allowing kids and adults alike to enjoy delicious treats and create lasting memories.
“As simple as those times were, they were good times,” Taylor shared. “And that was something that [Zaire] resonated with [and] wanted to bring to the people, specifically the youth, of Indianapolis.”
Their entrepreneurial journey hasn’t been without challenges, Taylor says. Many of their ventures are a “first,” but neither is afraid to learn and try something new. He also emphasizes the importance of thorough research to ensure the success of their business.
Taylor considers himself the “boots on the ground,” while Franklin focuses on the NFL season, but he adds that the football star is extremely present during the off-season.
The linebacker-turned-entrepreneur aims to be a role model and positively impact the community while establishing roots in the business world. It’s a role Taylor told AFROTECH™ that Franklin embraces. He said the athlete takes a hands-on approach to their business — from scooping ice and crafting cones to hiring employees and personally interacting with customers.
When measuring success, Taylor emphasizes a marathon-versus-sprint mindset. He notes the importance of thorough research and asserts that he and Franklin prioritize “doing things the right way” and achieving long-term goals over seeking immediate results.
Ultimately, their aim is for their business model to lead to personal success and create opportunities for others.
Reflecting on the rewarding aspects of mentoring Franklin, Taylor said, “The proudest moment for me is just watching him grow into a brilliant young man. I couldn’t be prouder of him.” He adds that Franklin’s character off the field directly contributes to his success on it and that mental toughness and discipline are essential traits for any athlete.
Franklin and Taylor are doing more than just serving ice too; they are building a legacy that combines mentorship, empowerment, and community engagement. Their journey illustrates how a strong foundation of trust and shared values can translate into success beyond the field, creating opportunities for themselves and others.
Committed to giving back, Franklin and Taylor plan to collaborate with local organizations and integrate their nonprofit, Shelice’s Angels. Named in honor of Franklin’s late mother, the initiative aims to empower young women and open doors to new opportunities.
Their programs, including an annual Business Academy, provide mentorship and resources to kids, because Franklin wanted to replicate the support he received throughout his life, Taylor says. He adds that Franklin is also passionate about instilling financial literacy in young people, emphasizing the importance of exploring different avenues for success.
For other athletes looking to start a business during or after their careers, Taylor advises, “Have a plan, start young, and understand you’re going to be older than you are younger.” He stressed the importance of surrounding yourself with like-minded individuals who support your ideas while keeping you grounded.
“Understand that difficult times don’t last,” Taylor told AFROTECH™. “Just keep moving forward.”
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