Former Raiders Linebacker Rod Martin Passes Away at Age 72
Rod Martin, a former linebacker for the Los Angeles Raiders, has passed away at the age of 72. The organization confirmed his death on Monday. Martin’s career in professional football began after he was drafted by the Raiders in the 12th round of the 1977 NFL Draft.
Rod Martin’s Football Career
Martin attended the University of Southern California (USC) before joining the Raiders. He quickly made an impact on the team, becoming a starter during his second season.
Super Bowl Achievements
Throughout his career, Martin was instrumental in the Raiders’ success, contributing to two Super Bowl victories:
- Super Bowl XV: Martin set a Super Bowl record with three interceptions against the Philadelphia Eagles.
- Super Bowl XVIII: He recorded a sack and a fumble recovery in a decisive 38-9 win over the Washington Redskins.
Honors and Recognition
In addition to his Super Bowl successes, Rod Martin was also honored multiple times throughout his career:
- Selected as a first-team All-Pro in 1984
- Named to two Pro Bowls during his tenure with the Raiders
Martin remained loyal to the Raiders until the end of the 1988 season, leaving behind a legacy of remarkable achievements and contributions to the franchise.
