[5][8][9] He still managed to return for the season finale of 1926 against Hamline, playing what would be his last collegiate game as he graduated in 1927.
[1][3] Franta was a full-time starter for the Red Jackets, starting all 10 games as they compiled an overall record of 1–9 against NFL opponents.
[13] In the team's game against the Chicago Cardinals, Franta directly opposed Pro Football Hall of Famer Duke Slater, and The Chicago Defender wrote afterwards "The Slater-Franta duel provoked great interest from the football writers and fans.
"[15] After having played six games, three as a starter, for the Red Jackets, he was purchased along with Ken Haycraft and Oran Pape by head coach Curly Lambeau of the Packers.
[1] Although he never again played in the NFL, Franta later appeared in several exhibitions with the Minnesota All-Stars and a team composed of former St. Thomas players, including one game with the former against the Chicago Bears.
[22] Franta had been driving a trailer with his two sons to move the family from St. Paul, Minnesota to Des Plaines, Illinois, and fell asleep at the wheel before crashing into a tree.