Jacob Martin Bio
Jacob W. Martin (born December 11, 1995) is an American professional football defensive end for the Washington Commanders of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Temple Owls and was selected by the Seattle Seahawks in the sixth round of the 2018 NFL draft. Martin has also played for several other NFL teams and has built a reputation as a hard-working rotational pass rusher across multiple rosters.
Standing 6 feet 2 inches tall and listed at 110 kilograms, Martin has carved out a long career despite bouncing between several franchises. His journey from a sixth-round selection to a respected NFL veteran reflects persistence, versatility, and steady production on the defensive line.
Early Life and Background
Jacob W. Martin was born on December 11, 1995, in Aurora, Colorado, USA. He grew up in the Denver metropolitan area and attended Cherokee Trail High School in Aurora, where he first developed his love for football. The athletic culture of Colorado, combined with a supportive family environment, helped him focus on the sport from an early age.
During his high school years, Martin emerged as a promising defensive prospect, using his size and quickness to pressure opposing quarterbacks. His performances drew attention from college recruiters, and he ultimately committed to Temple University to continue both his education and football career. The decision allowed him to grow as a player at the collegiate level while competing in the American Athletic Conference.
Martin’s path was also shaped by his older brother, Josh Martin, a retired linebacker who played in the NFL for ten seasons. Watching his brother’s professional journey provided Jacob with a clear picture of the work required to reach the league and the challenges that come with staying there. That family connection to the game reinforced his commitment and gave him a valuable mentor as he pursued his own professional dream.
Path to Professional Football
After completing high school, Jacob Martin enrolled at Temple University, where he suited up for the Temple Owls football program. He developed steadily within the Owls’ defensive scheme and became a reliable contributor along the defensive line. His hard work in the college ranks earned him second-team All-American Athletic Conference honors in 2017, signaling that he was ready for the next level.
Following his senior season, Martin declared for the 2018 NFL draft. His combination of size, athleticism, and motor made him an appealing late-round prospect for teams in need of defensive line depth. The Seattle Seahawks recognized his potential and selected him in the sixth round, 186th overall, giving Martin his first opportunity to prove himself as a professional.
That draft selection marked the beginning of a long professional journey that has included stops with several organizations. Despite entering the league without the fanfare of an early-round pick, Martin embraced his role and committed himself to earning respect through consistent effort.
Jacob Martin Career
Early Career (2018)
Jacob Martin began his professional career with the Seattle Seahawks after being drafted in the sixth round of the 2018 NFL draft. His rookie season gave him an early chance to learn from established veterans and adjust to the speed and complexity of the NFL game. Although his time in Seattle was brief, it provided the foundation he needed for what would become a lengthy career across multiple teams.
On August 31, 2019, the Seahawks traded Martin, along with outside linebacker Barkevious Mingo and a 2020 third-round pick, to the Houston Texans in exchange for Jadeveon Clowney. The deal signaled that Seattle was ready to move on, but it also opened the door for Martin to take on a larger role in Houston’s defensive rotation.
Houston Texans First Stint (2019–2021)
Martin’s time with the Houston Texans marked the most productive stretch of his early NFL career. In his first full season, he made an immediate impact on the defensive line. During a Week 9 matchup against the Jacksonville Jaguars, Martin forced a fumble on quarterback Gardner Minshew that was recovered by teammate Zach Cunningham in the 26–3 win. A few weeks later, in Week 12 against the Indianapolis Colts, Martin recorded his first sack as a Texan, bringing down Jacoby Brissett in the first quarter of the 20–17 victory.
His most memorable Texans moment came in the American Football Conference wild card playoff game against the Buffalo Bills, when Martin sacked Josh Allen once and recovered a fumble forced by teammate Whitney Mercilus on Allen during the 22–19 overtime win. The performance showcased his knack for showing up in high-leverage situations. In 2020, Martin opened the season with a sack of Patrick Mahomes in a Week 1 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs, and he later dealt with a stint on the reserve/COVID-19 list before being activated in November.
By 2021, Martin had grown into a dependable rotational piece, playing all 17 games, defending three passes, and forcing two fumbles. He recorded a career-best 4.0 sacks that season while contributing 23 total tackles, including five tackles for a loss, and scored the first safety of his career. His growth in Houston made him one of the more versatile edge defenders on the roster.
New York Jets and Denver Broncos (2022)
On March 17, 2022, the New York Jets signed Martin to a three-year, $16.5 million deal, signaling a major investment in his pass-rushing potential. The Jets viewed him as a key addition to their defensive front, and the contract reflected the steady progress he had shown in Houston.
His time in New York was short-lived, however. On November 1, 2022, Martin was traded, along with a 2024 fifth-round pick, to the Denver Broncos in exchange for a 2024 fourth-round pick. Shortly after arriving in Denver, he was placed on injured reserve on December 14, cutting his season short. The Broncos released Martin on May 10, 2023, ending his brief stint with the team.
Journeyman Years (2023–2024)
Following his release from Denver, Martin continued his journeyman run through the league. On May 23, 2023, he signed with the Houston Texans, reuniting with the organization where he had enjoyed his most productive years, but he was released on August 29, 2023. Two days later, on August 31, 2023, Martin signed with the Indianapolis Colts, though his time there was also brief.
On March 16, 2024, Martin signed a one-year contract with the Chicago Bears. He was placed on injured reserve on August 27, 2024, before being activated on October 26. Despite the setbacks, Martin continued to demonstrate the resilience that has defined his career, always returning to contribute when given the opportunity.
Washington Commanders Era (2025–Present)
On March 18, 2025, Jacob Martin signed a one-year, $3 million contract with the Washington Commanders, marking the latest chapter in his NFL journey. The deal gave him a fresh opportunity to contribute to a defense looking for experienced edge depth. His veteran presence and familiarity with multiple defensive schemes made him a valuable addition to the Commanders’ rotation.
Martin joined Washington with something to prove after several injury-shortened seasons. His track record of forcing fumbles, recording sacks, and showing up in big moments positioned him as a player who could deliver impact plays when called upon. The Commanders’ investment in his services reflected confidence in his ability to stay healthy and contribute throughout the season.
Driving Style and Strengths
Jacob Martin’s playing style is built on quick first-step explosiveness, relentless motor, and positional versatility along the defensive line. He is effective as both a pass rusher and a run defender, and his ability to force fumbles has been a defining feature of his career. Martin excels at pursuing quarterbacks from the edge while also contributing in special teams and rotational packages, giving coordinators flexibility in how they deploy him.
Notable Events and Milestones
Among Jacob Martin’s most memorable NFL moments is his performance in the 2019 AFC wild card game against the Buffalo Bills, where he recorded a sack and recovered a fumble in a 22–19 overtime win. He also scored the first safety of his career during the 2021 season with the Texans, recorded a career-high 4.0 sacks that same year, and reached a significant career milestone when he signed a three-year, $16.5 million contract with the New York Jets in 2022.
Jacob Martin Career Wins
Throughout his NFL career, Jacob Martin has collected a series of notable individual achievements, even though his primary value has come as a rotational defensive contributor rather than a featured stat-sheet leader. His most productive statistical season came in 2021 with the Houston Texans, when he set a career high with 4.0 sacks, forced two fumbles, defended three passes, and scored his first career safety while playing all 17 games.
Houston Texans Highlights
During his first stint with the Houston Texans from 2019 to 2021, Martin delivered some of the most impactful plays of his career. His first sack as a Texan came against Jacoby Brissett in 2019, and he added a memorable postseason performance against the Buffalo Bills in the AFC wild card round. His 2021 campaign stood out as his most complete season, blending pass-rushing production with run defense and turnover creation.
Other Wins and Performances
Beyond his Texans tenure, Martin has continued to flash productive play across multiple teams, including the New York Jets, Denver Broncos, Indianapolis Colts, and Chicago Bears. While injuries and roster moves have limited his playing time in some stops, he has consistently provided veteran leadership and dependable edge depth wherever he has landed.
Jacob Martin Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Jacob Martin comes from a family with deep ties to the National Football League. He is the younger brother of Josh Martin, a retired linebacker who played in the NFL for ten seasons. Growing up with an older brother who navigated the demands of a long professional football career gave Jacob an inside look at what it takes to succeed at the highest level.
Personal Life
Off the field, Jacob Martin has maintained a relatively private personal life. As an Aurora, Colorado native who later moved across several NFL cities, he has remained focused on his football career. His social media presence offers glimpses into his photography interests, though he has largely kept details about his personal relationships out of the public eye.
2025 Season Performance
Jacob Martin entered the 2025 NFL season with the Washington Commanders after signing a one-year, $3 million contract on March 18, 2025. The deal gave him an opportunity to contribute as an experienced rotational pass rusher on a defense aiming to build consistency along its front. His track record of forcing fumbles and producing in situational pass-rush packages positioned him as a key depth piece.
Throughout the season, Martin’s role has centered on providing pressure from the edge while supporting run defense on early downs. Coaches have leaned on his familiarity with multiple defensive schemes, allowing the Commanders to move him around the line. His veteran presence has also helped stabilize a defensive rotation that values experienced contributors.
Looking ahead, Martin’s one-year contract runs through the end of the 2025 season, leaving his future with Washington uncertain beyond the current campaign. If he stays healthy and continues to deliver impact plays, he could earn another opportunity in the league, either with the Commanders or another franchise. For now, his focus remains on maximizing his role and helping Washington compete at a high level.