Raiders legend Rod Martin, a former All-Pro linebacker and Super Bowl hero, dies at 72
Former Raiders All-Pro linebacker and Super Bowl record holder Rod Martin has died, the team announced Monday. He was 72 years old.
A 12th-round pick in the 1977 NFL Draft, Martin overcame humble beginnings in the NFL to become a two-time Pro Bowler, one-time All-Pro and two-time Super Bowl champion during a 12-year career played entirely with the Raiders.
Martin was part of a star-studded Raiders defense that also included Hall of Famers Howie Long, Ted Hendricks, Mike Haynes, 1980 Defensive Player of the Year Lester Hayes and two-time All-Pro Lyle Alzado.
Martin etched his name in NFL history during the Raiders’ 27-10 victory over the Eagles in Super Bowl XV. During the game, he intercepted Eagles quarterback Ron Jaworski three times, setting a single-game Super Bowl record. Martin’s performance that day helped the Raiders become the first wild-card team to win the Super Bowl.
In 1983, Martin recovered a sack and a fumble in the Raiders’ 38-9 loss to defending champion Washington in Super Bowl XVIII. This season was the first of a back-to-back Pro Bowl campaign for Martin, who was made an All-Pro in 1984 after recording a career-high 11 sacks.
A versatile player, Martin filled the stat sheet with 56.5 career sacks, 14 interceptions, 10 forced fumbles, 10 fumble recoveries and six defensive touchdowns. From 1982 to 1984, Martin recorded nine interceptions and returned four of those picks for scores.
“A beloved member of the Raiders family and a favorite of Raiders fans everywhere,” the Raiders wrote in a statement. “The deepest condolences of all of Raider Nation go out to Rod’s family at this time.”
