Rod Martin, a former All-Pro linebacker for the Raiders and Super Bowl record-holder, has died at 72, the team announced on Monday. Martin set the single-game Super Bowl record with three interceptions in the Raiders' victory in Super Bowl XV. He won two Super Bowls during a 12-year career spent entirely with the Raiders.
The Las Vegas Raiders announced the death of Rod Martin, their former standout linebacker, on Monday. Martin, a 12th-round pick in the 1977 NFL Draft, played his entire 12-year career with the franchise, becoming a two-time Pro Bowler, one-time All-Pro and two-time Super Bowl champion. He was 72 years old. Martin played alongside a formidable defense that included Hall of Famers Howie Long, Ted Hendricks and Mike Haynes, as well as Lester Hayes and Lyle Alzado. His versatility showed in career totals of 56.5 sacks, 14 interceptions, 10 forced fumbles, 10 fumble recoveries and six defensive touchdowns. From 1982 to 1984, he recorded nine interceptions, returning four for scores. Martin earned lasting fame in Super Bowl XV, when the Raiders defeated the Philadelphia Eagles 27-10. He intercepted quarterback Ron Jaworski three times, a record that still stands, helping the Raiders become the first wild-card team to win the Super Bowl. In Super Bowl XVIII, he contributed a sack and fumble recovery in a 38-9 rout of Washington. The 1983 season marked the start of back-to-back Pro Bowl nods for Martin, who was named All-Pro in 1984 after a career-high 11 sacks. The Raiders described Martin as 'a beloved member of the Raiders Family and a favorite of Raiders fans everywhere.' The team extended its deepest condolences to his family.
