GREEN BAY, WI – SEPTEMBER 13: A general view of Lambeau Field as fans arrive before a game between the Green Bay Packers and the Chicago Bears on September 13, 2012 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (Jonathan Daniel/ Photo by Getty Images)
Veteran linebacker Blake Martinez is ready to embrace the next chapter of his career. Thursday afternoon, he officially announced his retirement from the NFL.
Martinez posted a heartfelt message on Instagram about his retirement. He seems to keep his composure in his decision.
“I am announcing my retirement from football,” Martinez said. I have chosen to step away from this career at this point! I am thrilled about this new journey and am grateful to all my fans and organizations for supporting me over the years!”
Martinez is a standout linebacker at Stanford University, earning All-Pac-12 honors in 2015. He was then drafted by the Green Bay Packers in 2016.
After four seasons with the Packers, Martinez signed a lucrative contract with the New York Giants.
An ACL injury ultimately prevented Martinez from reaching his full potential in New York. As a result, he was released in September of this year. He then called it a career after signing with the Las Vegas Raiders.
Martinez finished his NFL career with 706 tackles, 22 passes defensed, 13 sacks, four interceptions and four forced fumbles.
Congratulations to Blake Martinez for an amazing career.
