University Southern California Trojans
Former USC Linebacker and Super Bowl Champion Rod Martin Dies
April 21, 2026 | Football
LOS ANGELES—Former USC linebacker and Oakland / Los Angeles Raiders Super Bowl Champion Rod Martin died yesterday (April 20) at the age of 72.
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Martin was a 1975-76 Trojan letterman, and USC was 19-5 in his career. USC was 17th in the final AP poll in 1975 and second in 1976, and the Trojans played in the 1975 Liberty Bowl and 1977 Rose Bowl. The 1976 All-Conference first teamer led USC in tackles for losses (17 for 85 yards) and fumbles recovered (5) in 1976.Â
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Martin was drafted in the 12th round of the 1977 NFL Draft by the Raiders and played for the team from 1977-88. He earned Pro Bowl recognition twice during his career (1983 and 1984) and won two Super Bowls (XV and XVIII). In Super Bowl XV, Martin recorded a Super Bowl record three interceptions from Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Ron Jaworski, and returned them for 44 yards. This record earned him placement on the cover of Sports Illustrated on February 2, 1981. In Super Bowl XVIII, Martin broke up a third down pass on his own 7-yard line in the second quarter, sacked Joe Theismann once, tackled Washington Redskins Hall of Fame running back John Riggins for no gain on a fourth down, recorded one conversion attempt deep in Raiders territory on the last play of the third quarter and recovered a fumble in the final period.
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In his 12 NFL seasons, Martin recorded 14 interceptions, which he returned for 225 yards and 4 touchdowns, along with 10 fumble recoveries, which he returned for 122 yards and two touchdowns. He also recorded 33.5 sacks.Â
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After his football career, Martin worked as a USC employee in the IT department.Â
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Memorial service details are pending. Â
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Martin was a 1975-76 Trojan letterman, and USC was 19-5 in his career. USC was 17th in the final AP poll in 1975 and second in 1976, and the Trojans played in the 1975 Liberty Bowl and 1977 Rose Bowl. The 1976 All-Conference first teamer led USC in tackles for losses (17 for 85 yards) and fumbles recovered (5) in 1976.Â
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Martin was drafted in the 12th round of the 1977 NFL Draft by the Raiders and played for the team from 1977-88. He earned Pro Bowl recognition twice during his career (1983 and 1984) and won two Super Bowls (XV and XVIII). In Super Bowl XV, Martin recorded a Super Bowl record three interceptions from Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Ron Jaworski, and returned them for 44 yards. This record earned him placement on the cover of Sports Illustrated on February 2, 1981. In Super Bowl XVIII, Martin broke up a third down pass on his own 7-yard line in the second quarter, sacked Joe Theismann once, tackled Washington Redskins Hall of Fame running back John Riggins for no gain on a fourth down, recorded one conversion attempt deep in Raiders territory on the last play of the third quarter and recovered a fumble in the final period.
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In his 12 NFL seasons, Martin recorded 14 interceptions, which he returned for 225 yards and 4 touchdowns, along with 10 fumble recoveries, which he returned for 122 yards and two touchdowns. He also recorded 33.5 sacks.Â
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After his football career, Martin worked as a USC employee in the IT department.Â
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Memorial service details are pending. Â
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