The Barcelona Dragons of the fledgling European League of Football have signed former New England Patriot Justin Francis for their inaugural 2021 season.
The 31-year-old, 6’2 270 pound edge defender from Opa-Locka, Florida spent the 2019 season with the German Football League’s Hildesheim Invaders recording 51 tackles, two sacks, and one interception. A Rutgers University (NCAA D1) product, Francis spent the 2012 season with the New England Patriots recoding three sacks and 10 total tackles. He contributed as a situational pass rusher and special teamer for a Tom Brady-led squad that made it all the way to the AFC Championship before losing to the eventual Super Bowl champion Baltimore Ravens.
Francis was a standout defender for a nationally ranked Rutgers University squad and led the Scarlet Knights with 13 sacks his senior year, earning him an undrafted free agent contract from Bill Belichick and the New England Patriots. After one season in New England, Francis played arena football for the Nebraska Steel before heading to Europe.
The former New England Patriot is excited to be joining the European League of Football’s lone Spanish franchise:
“I like Barcelona. I want to learn about their culture. I’d like to explore Spain the same way I treated being in Germany. So Barcelona it is. I’m super excited grateful and thankful for the opportunity. I’m looking forward to winning, I’m looking forward to being in Spain, and looking forward to the experience. Go Dragons!”