Former USC Linebacker Rod Martin Dies At 72

Former USC linebacker and longtime Raiders veteran Rod Martin died at 72 years old, the Las Vegas Raiders announced on Monday. The Raiders did not specify a cause of death for Martin.

Rod Martin was a standout linebacker who helped the franchise to victories in Super Bowls XV and XVIII.

He forever secured his place in Raiders lore with a record-breaking three-interception performance in the Silver and Black’s Super Bowl XV triumph over the Eagles. pic.twitter.com/Ytrz98WFK8

— Las Vegas Raiders (@Raiders) April 20, 2026

Martin spent his the majority of his football career in the Los Angeles area. He attended Hamilton High School in Los Angeles then started his collegiate career at Los Angeles City College. He later played with USC, where he was a first-team All-Pac-8 selection in 1976.

After retiring from the NFL, he returned to USC as a programmer in USC’s Information Sciences Institute.

Martin’s Legacy With the Raiders

In 1977, the Raiders drafted Martin with the No. 317 overall pick in the 12th round.

The Raiders relocated to Los Angeles and played at the LA Memorial Coliseum from 1982-94. Martin helped the Raiders win two Super Bowl championships and four AFC West division titles across 12 seasons with the franchise.

Oct 10, 2010; Oakland, CA, USA; Oakland Raiders former player Rod Martin attends the game against the San Diego Chargers at the Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee/Image of Sport-USA TODAY Sports