Players
Events
Defensive End

Doug Martin

Draft 1980

Number

79

Birthdate

1957-05-22

Is Alive

yes

Acquisition Date

1980

Player Bio

Doug Martin was a ten-year veteran at defensive end for the Minnesota Vikings, selected with the 9th overall pick in the 1980 draft. He came out of Washington where he had earned All-Pac-10 honors in 1978 and 1979 (First-Team) and Second-Team in 1977. He played his entire NFL career (1980-1989) in Minnesota.

Early Life and College Career

Full Name: Douglas Martin
Born: May 22, 1957
Hometown: Fairfield, California

High School:

  • Doug Martin attended Armijo High School in Fairfield, California, graduating in 1976.  Doug’s brother George Martin, graduated from the school in 1971, and went on to play for the New York Giants.

College:

  • Martin played college football at Washington University, where he was a highly productive running back.
  • Second team All-American in 1979
  • Two-time First-team All-Pac-10 in 1978 & 1979, after being Second-team All-Pac-8 in 1977.

NFL Career

NFL Draft:

  • Doug Martin was selected by the Minnesota Vikings in the 1st round of the 1980 NFL Draft (9th overall pick).

Minnesota Vikings (1980–1989)

  • Martin’s best season was the strike shortened 1982 season, when he led the league in sacks with 11.5 (the first official year of sacks being recorded) in just 9 games, earning First-team All-Pro recognition from Pro Football Weekly.
  • Followed that up with 13 sacks in 1983, tied for 9th in the NFL.
  • He was a durable presence along the Vikings’ defensive front throughout the 1980’sappearing in 126 games, having started 94.

Retirement

  • Following the 1989 season, Doug Martin announced his retirement from the NFL, retiring with 61.5 sacks, 7 fumble recoveries and 1 interception in his career.

Post-NFL Life

  • Not much information is currently available about Martin’s post-NFL life, although it is known that during his career, he co-owned a beauty salon with his brother George and sister Helen.

Summary

  • Position: Defensive Line
  • NFL Teams: Minnesota Vikings (1980–1989)
  • Career Length: 10 seasons
  • Pro Bowls: 0
  • All-Pro Selections: 1st-Team (1982, Pro Football Weekly)
  • Best Season: 1982 (11.5 sacks, 1st in NFL)