Raiders legend Rod Martin died at the age of 72.<\/p>\n
“The Raiders Family is deeply saddened by the passing of Rod Martin, a standout linebacker and key player on two Super Bowl championship teams,” the Las Vegas Raiders announced Monday. “\u2026 A beloved member of the Raiders Family and a favorite of Raiders fans everywhere, the deepest condolences of the entire Raider Nation are with Rod’s family at this time.”<\/p>\n
The linebacker played for the Raiders when they were based in Oakland and then Los Angeles and was a 12th-round selection out of USC in the 1977 NFL draft.<\/p>\n
He played all 12 of his seasons with the organization and was a back-to-back Pro Bowler in the 1983 and 1984 seasons. He was also a Second-Team All-Pro selection in 1983 and a First-Team All-Pro selection in 1984.<\/p>\n
Martin finished that First-Team All-Pro season with 11 sacks, three forced fumbles, a fumble recovery he returned for a touchdown, a safety and two interceptions, one of which he returned for a touchdown.<\/p>\n
It was fitting he scored on both an interception return and fumble return that season, as he finished his career with six defensive touchdowns.<\/p>\n
While the individual excellence during the regular season was notable, Martin cemented himself as a Raiders legend with his postseason performances. He helped lead the team to the Super Bowl title during the 1980 and 1983 seasons and was a defensive hero in both games.<\/p>\n
In Super Bowl XV, he set a Super Bowl record with three interceptions in a win over the Philadelphia Eagles. Then, he notched a sack and fumble recovery during the victory over Washington in Super Bowl XVIII.<\/p>\n