In an exciting turn of events, a former Green Bay Packers star linebacker is set to make his return to the NFL, this time donning the colors of the Carolina Panthers.
Blake Martinez, a well-known name among Packers fans, has officially signed with the Panthers, marking his journey back to professional football. Jordan Schultz of Bleacher Report broke the news, highlighting that October 25th marked Martinez’s first workout with his new team.
Martinez’s path to this NFL return is nothing short of intriguing. After parting ways with the Packers, where he was their leading tackler in 2019, he embarked on an unconventional journey. During his hiatus from professional football, Martinez delved into the world of trading Pokemon cards, operating a business called “Blake’s Breaks.” However, this venture took an unexpected turn when the social marketplace Whatnot banned him from selling cards on its platform in August.
The last time Blake Martinez graced the NFL stage was in 2022, playing four games with the Las Vegas Raiders. His return to the league is a testament to his dedication and passion for the game.
Martinez’s NFL career began in 2016 when the Green Bay Packers drafted him in the fourth round. He spent four seasons with the Packers, leaving a notable mark with 144 tackles in 2017, which led the league.
Throughout his career, Blake Martinez accumulated an impressive 706 combined tackles and 13 sacks in 84 games, showcasing his prowess as a linebacker. Now, he finds himself as a valuable addition to a Carolina Panthers defense that has been allowing an average of 28.3 points per game, tying them with the Denver Broncos for the last place in the NFL rankings.
The upcoming Thursday Night Football game, featuring the Carolina Panthers against the Chicago Bears, presents an interesting scenario for Martinez, as he faces a team he is all too familiar with. This comeback story is a testament to the resilience and determination of a former Packers star eager to make his mark once again in the NFL.