Life doesn’t guarantee second chances. Especially life in the NFL.
But that’s exactly what Jonathan Martin was granted, when the San Francisco 49ers traded the Miami Dolphins a conditional draft pick for him this week. Head coach Jim Harbaugh, Martin’s college coach at Stanford, called it an “Etch A Sketch” opportunity. And Martin agrees.
“It’s a blank slate for me. I’m looking forward to revitalizing my career and getting back to playing. I’ve started 23 games to this date, so I’m a young player but I’ve had some starting experience.”
The former Dolphins tackle left the team in October for emotional reasons after suffering extreme bullying and harassment in the Dolphins locker room. The accused ringleader, Richie Incognito, was suspended from the team indefinitely and has reportedly checked himself into treatment.
But Martin says that’s all behind him now. And he’s focused on the future. And football.
“The way I’m approaching it is I have to earn my spot on this team. I’m a new guy in the locker room. I’ve played both right tackle and left tackle but at the same time, I’m open to anything, whatever is asked of me to contribute to the team. That’s really what matters to me at this point.”
Martin has spent much of his time off back at Stanford, working towards his undergraduate degree. And also, getting back to football.
“Just to be around that atmosphere again, another winning program, their team’s success is what I want to be around. So, I’ve had a chance to be grinding in the weight room and on the field for quite some time now and I think it’s really going to pay dividends in the future.”
He cited former college teammates, Colts quarterback Andrew Luck and Seahawks cornerback Richard Sherman, who had his back during the ordeal with the Dolphins. Along with Coach Harbaugh, who spoke out in support of him.
“They never doubted me. And they know me as a person and they know me as an individual, as a football player. So, it’s great to be around them. They’ve all had success so far in the pros. I’m just trying to continue with my own personal success and the team’s success, so that’s where my focus is now.”
Retirement was never an option, he said. And he’s received a warm welcome from the entire 49ers family, the staff, the players, and the fans.
“This is a great organization. They’re that close to getting to the top. So, just to be a part of that…in a great locker room, around great players, I couldn’t be happier.”
Asked if he had any regrets, Martin made it clear. He’s not looking in the rear view mirror.
“My focus is 100 percent on being a member of the 49ers, playing offensive line for the 49ers, and helping this team win football games.”
Focused on the future. Focused on football. Jonathan Martin got a second chance. And he plans to take full advantage of it.
Martin is scheduled to complete his education as a classics major at Stanford, just as he begins his own comeback story.
And it has all the elements to be a classic.
