A year ago, a former standout linebacker announced his initial retirement from sports, and the dismal Carolina Panthers worked him out.
The Panthers hosted former Green Bay Packers, New York Giants, and Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Blake Martinez on Wednesday, according to NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero. In order to launch the now prosperous Pokémon card company, the Stanford product retired in November of last year.
Veteran LB Blake Martinez worked out today for the #Panthers.
After retiring last November, the 29-year-old Martinez got his release from Las Vegas last week and is looking to make a comeback. pic.twitter.com/D0i1ylQyw7
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) October 25, 2023
Martinez played for the Packers in 2019 after being selected by them in the 2016 draft. In 2020, he signed a three-year contract as a free agent and joined the Giants. Martinez played four games for Vegas last year before retiring in November following two seasons with New York, having released him after that.
Martinez reportedly gained an incredible $5 million from selling Pokémon cards in just seven months, according to reports earlier this year. Martinez’s career earnings as an NFL player were little over $28.948 million, according to Spotrac.
Ex-Giants linebacker Blake Martinez made $5 million in seven months selling Pokemon cards https://t.co/DPuqxFuP6J pic.twitter.com/8yPMCGM7m5
— New York Post (@nypost) February 26, 2023
At 0-6, the Panthers are the only team in football without a win. Following their Week 7 bye, Carolina will welcome C.J. Stroud and the Houston Texans this Sunday in an attempt to secure their first victory of the year.
Over his career, Martinez has recorded 22 pass defenses, three fumble recoveries, four interceptions, and four forced fumbles. From 2017 to 2020, the 29-year-old recorded 144 or more tackles in four straight seasons, with a career-high 155 tackles for the Packers in 2019.