GREEN BAY – Former Packers linebacker Blake Martinez has announced his retirement from the NFL after seven seasons.
A fourth-round pick out of Stanford in 2016, Martinez recorded 512 tackles, 10 sacks, three interceptions and two forced fumbles in 61 games (57 starts) in Green Bay.
He led Green Bay in tackles for three straight seasons (2017-19), becoming the first Packers defender to lead the defense in tackles in consecutive years since A.J. Hawk (2012-13).
"I had an amazing journey with some incredible franchises, and made lifelong friendships," Martinez wrote in an Instagram post Thursday. "I have chosen to step away from this career at this time to focus on my family and future passions! I am excited for this new journey and appreciate all the fans and organizations that have supported me throughout the years!"
Martinez signed with the New York Giants as an unrestricted free agent in 2020. He tallied 174 tackles, three sacks and two forced fumbles while starting in all 19 games he played.
The 28-year-old linebacker signed to Las Vegas' 53-man roster last month, starting in two of the four games he appeared for the Raiders.
Martinez was active in the Green Bay community during his four seasons in Green Bay and a spokesperson for the “Packers vs. Cancer” initiative. For his efforts, he was the team's nominee for the Walter Payton Man of the Year Award in 2019.
