While the Las Vegas Raiders’ future looks to be with Fernando Mendoza as the team has the No. 1 overall pick in the upcoming draft, it’s important to remember the memories that came in the past, as a key member of that legacy has passed away. As the Raiders put into perspective their past, the unfortunate news is that linebacker Rod Martin has passed away at the age of 72 years old.
Martin was a late-round draft pick in the 1977 NFL Draft, where he was a crucial component in the team’s defense that won two Super Bowls in 1981 and 1984.
The Raiders release a statement on Rod Martin’s passing
The team released a statement on Martin’s passing, expressing sadness for the loss but celebrating the accomplishments with the franchise.
“The Raiders Family is deeply saddened by the passing of Rod Martin, a standout linebacker and key player on two Super Bowl championship teams,” the team wrote in its statement on Martin’s passing. “A 12th-round draft pick by the Silver and Black out of USC in 1977, Rod would become a mark of consistency on defense, playing in 165 games with 147 starts in 12 NFL seasons, all with the Raiders. A two-time Pro Bowl selection, he was also named All-Pro twice, garnering first-team honors in 1984.”
“As the central figure in a dominant defensive effort in Super Bowl XV, he set a Super Bowl record that still remains with three interceptions in the Raiders’ 27-10 victory over the Eagles,” the statement continued. “Three years later, he recorded a sack and fumble recovery as the Raiders defeated Washington in Super Bowl XVIII, 38-9. A beloved member of the Raiders Family and a favorite of Raiders fans everywhere, the deepest condolences of the entire Raider Nation are with Rod’s family at this time.”
Martin’s impact on the field was undeniable, as he will be remembered for the endless amount of time he put into becoming a star football player.
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