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Raiders legend Rod Martin, a former All-Pro linebacker and Super Bowl hero, dies at 72
TL;DR
Rod Martin, former All-Pro linebacker and Super Bowl champion, has died at 72. He was a key player for the Raiders, known for his record-setting performance in the Super Bowl.
Key points
- Rod Martin passed away at age 72.
- He was a former All-Pro linebacker for the Raiders.
- Martin was a two-time Super Bowl champion.
- He was drafted in the 12th round of the 1977 NFL Draft.
- Martin played his entire 12-year career with the Raiders.
Mentioned in this story
Rod Martin
RaidersNFL
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Rod Martin, the former Raiders All-Pro linebacker and Super Bowl record-holder, has died, the team announced on Monday. He was 72 years old.
A 12th-round pick in the 1977 NFL Draft, Martin overcame humble beginnings in the NFL to become a two-time Pro Bowler, one-time All-Pro, and a two-time Super Bowl champion during a 12-year career that was played entirely with the Raiders.
Martin was part of a star-studded Raiders defense that also featured Hall of Famers Howie Long, Ted Hendricks, Mike Haynes, 1980 Defensive Player of the Year Lester Hayes and two-time All-Pro Lyle Alzado.
Martin etched his name in NFL history during the Raiders' 27-10 win over the Eagles in Super Bowl XV. During the game, he intercepted Eagles quarterback Ron Jaworski three times, setting a single-game Super Bowl record. Martin's performance that day helped the Raiders become the first wild-card team to win the Super Bowl.
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
In 1983, Martin had a sack and a fumble recovery during the Raiders' 38-9 rout of defending champion Washington in Super Bowl XVIII. That season was the first of consecutive Pro Bowl campaigns for Martin, who was tabbed as an All-Pro in 1984 after recording a career-high 11 sacks.
A versatile player, Martin filled the stat sheet with 56.5 career sacks, 14 interceptions, 10 forced fumbles, 10 fumble recoveries and six defensive touchdowns. From 1982-84, Martin recorded nine interceptions and returned four of those picks for scores.
"A beloved member of the Raiders Family and a favorite of Raiders fans everywhere," the Raiders wrote in a statement. "The deepest condolences of the entire Raider Nation are with Rod's family at this time."
Q&A
What were Rod Martin's achievements in the NFL?
Rod Martin was a two-time Pro Bowler, one-time All-Pro, and a two-time Super Bowl champion during his 12-year career with the Raiders.
How did Rod Martin's NFL career begin?
Rod Martin was selected as a 12th-round pick in the 1977 NFL Draft, overcoming humble beginnings to achieve success in the league.
What impact did Rod Martin have on the Raiders defense?
Rod Martin was part of a star-studded Raiders defense that included several Hall of Famers and contributed significantly to the team's success in the Super Bowl.
