Bob Martin

Robert A. Martin (born November 14, 1953) is an American former professional football player who was a linebacker for four seasons in the National Football League (NFL) with the New York Jets and San Francisco 49ers. He was selected by the Jets in the sixth round of the 1976 NFL draft after playing college football for the Nebraska Cornhuskers.

Early life Robert A. Martin was born on November 14, 1953, in David City, Nebraska. He attended David City High School, lettering in football, basketball, track, and golf. He was named the Nebraska High School Athlete of the Year by both the Lincoln Journal-Star and the Omaha World-Herald his senior year in 1972.

College career Martin was a member of the Nebraska Cornhuskers of the University of Nebraska–Lincoln from 1972 to 1975. Martin started every game as a sophomore in 1973, recording 65 tackles and two fumble recoveries. He was named a second-team All-American by the AP in both 1974 and 1975, a second-team All-American by UPI in 1975, and a first-team All-American by Football News in 1975. He was also a team co-captain his senior season. He played in 13 games, all starts at linebacker, for the Jets during the 1976 season, recording two interceptions. He started the first two games of the 1979 season before being released on September 19, 1979, after a contract dispute.

Personal life After his NFL career, Martin spent time working for Valmont Industries, including stints as a product development manager and national sales manager. His daughter Anne and son Lee were on the Cornhuskers track team while another son Jay played football for the Cornhuskers.