Sam Martin Bio
Sam Joseph Martin is an American professional football punter for the Carolina Panthers of the National Football League (NFL). Born on February 27, 1990, in Fayetteville, Georgia, he has built a reputation as one of the league’s most reliable special teams performers since entering the NFL in 2013. Standing 6 feet 1 inch tall and weighing 205 pounds, Martin is known for his consistency, directional kicking, and ability to pin opponents deep in their own territory.
Martin played college football at Appalachian State University, where his senior season earned him national recognition. Selected by the Detroit Lions in the fifth round of the 2013 NFL draft, he went on to spend nearly a decade punting across multiple franchises before joining the Carolina Panthers in March 2025.
Early Life and Background
Sam Joseph Martin grew up in Fayetteville, Georgia, where he attended Starr’s Mill High School. A versatile multi-sport athlete, he lettered in soccer for four years and received all-state recognition during his junior season. That soccer background helped shape the footwork and directional control that later became trademarks of his punting style.
His time at Starr’s Mill laid the foundation for a serious pursuit of football, and Martin eventually joined the Appalachian State Mountaineers college football program. The move marked his transition from a talented high school athlete into a focused specialist preparing for a professional career.
Path to Professional Football
At Appalachian State University, Martin developed into one of the top college punters in the country. In his senior season, he was selected to the Associated Press All-America First Team, an honor that confirmed his status as a draft-ready specialist. He also earned first-team All-America recognition from College Sports Journal and third-team All-America honors from The Sports Network during the same year.
That strong senior campaign drew the attention of NFL scouts, and the Detroit Lions selected Martin in the fifth round of the 2013 NFL draft. His path from a Georgia high school to Appalachian State and finally to the professional level reflected steady development and consistent performance at every stop.
Sam Martin Career
Early Career and Detroit Lions (2013-2019)
Martin was selected by the Detroit Lions in the fifth round of the 2013 NFL draft and quickly earned praise for his accuracy and poise. He was named to the PFWA All-Rookie Team following his debut season, an early signal that he had adjusted well to the professional game.
During the 2015 season, Martin was recognized as the NFC Special Teams Player of the Week in Week 12 after recording four punts totaling 181 yards with only three punt return yards. On September 9, 2016, he signed a four-year contract extension with the Lions, and at the conclusion of the 2016 NFL season, he was named as an alternate for the 2017 Pro Bowl, though he did not participate in the game.
Denver Broncos and Buffalo Bills Era (2020-2024)
On March 30, 2020, Martin signed a three-year, $7.05 million deal with the Denver Broncos, bringing veteran stability to their special teams unit. He spent two seasons in Denver before being released by the Broncos on August 29, 2022, after he refused to take a pay cut.
Shortly after his release, Martin signed a one-year deal with the Buffalo Bills on August 31, 2022. He then signed a three-year, $7.5 million contract extension on March 13, 2023, establishing himself as a long-term fixture in Buffalo’s special teams plans through the 2024 season.
Carolina Panthers Era (2025-Present)
On March 11, 2025, the Carolina Panthers signed Martin to a one-year contract, adding a proven veteran punter to their roster. The move gave the Panthers an experienced specialist entering a new phase of team-building.
In Week 7 of the 2025 season, Martin delivered one of his most complete performances, posting six punts with a long of 68 yards and placing four punts inside the 20-yard line during a 13-6 win over the New York Jets. That performance earned him the NFC Special Teams Player of the Week honor, underscoring his continued impact at the professional level.
Driving Style and Strengths
Martin is widely respected for his directional punting, hang time, and ability to flip field position. His background as a high school soccer standout contributes to clean footwork and consistent ball striking. Week in and week out, he has proven capable of pinning opposing returners and limiting big plays in the special teams phase of the game.
Notable Events and Milestones
Among Martin’s career highlights are his 2013 PFWA All-Rookie Team selection, multiple NFC Special Teams Player of the Week awards, and selection as a 2017 Pro Bowl alternate. His 2025 performance against the New York Jets added another signature game to a resume defined by consistency and field-flipping value.
Sam Martin Career Highlights
Sam Martin has built a strong professional resume across multiple NFL franchises, earning recognition as a top-tier punter from the moment he entered the league. His honors include PFWA All-Rookie Team honors in 2013, multiple NFC Special Teams Player of the Week awards, and a Pro Bowl alternate selection after the 2016 season.
NFL Highlights
Martin’s tenure with the Detroit Lions produced his first major milestones, including his 2013 rookie recognition and his 2015 Player of the Week honor. He later added further accolades with the Carolina Panthers, earning NFC Special Teams Player of the Week honors in Week 7 of the 2025 season.
Sam Martin Family
Personal Life
Sam Joseph Martin was raised in Fayetteville, Georgia, where he attended Starr’s Mill High School. His early athletic development included four years of varsity soccer alongside his football training, which helped shape his eventual professional career.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 NFL season has marked a new chapter for Sam Joseph Martin with the Carolina Panthers after signing a one-year contract on March 11, 2025. Joining the team as a veteran specialist, Martin brought immediate stability to the Panthers’ punting game.
His standout Week 7 performance against the New York Jets, with four punts inside the 20-yard line and a long of 68 yards in a 13-6 win, earned him NFC Special Teams Player of the Week honors. That game highlighted the kind of field-position impact he has consistently provided throughout his career.
Looking ahead, Martin’s one-year deal runs through the 2026 offseason, and his 2025 form suggests he remains a difference-maker on special teams. His experience across the Lions, Broncos, Bills, and Panthers gives him a unique perspective that continues to translate into on-field production.