Tay Martin Bio
Davontavean Martin, widely known as Tay Martin, is an American professional football wide receiver who has spent time across multiple NFL organizations since entering the league. Born on December 14, 1997, in Houma, Louisiana, Martin developed into a confident pass catcher through years of work at both the high school and collegiate levels. He went undrafted in 2022 but signed with the San Francisco 49ers as an undrafted free agent, beginning a professional journey that has also included stops with the Tennessee Titans and the Washington Commanders.
Standing 6 feet 3 inches tall and listed at 184 pounds, Martin brings an athletic frame and a determined approach to the wide receiver position. He earned recognition as a Second-team All-Big 12 selection in 2021 during his final college season. Martin continues to pursue a stable role in the NFL, and his career has been defined by steady progress through practice squads, reserve contracts, and short active-roster elevations.
Early Life and Background
Davontavean Martin was born and raised in Houma, Louisiana, a community known for producing competitive athletes across multiple sports. Growing up in the Houma area shaped his early development, and he attended Ellender Memorial High School, where he began to gain attention for his play on the football field. His size and athleticism became apparent during his high school years, laying the groundwork for a collegiate recruitment.
Coming out of Ellender Memorial, Martin attracted college interest thanks to his combination of length and natural receiving instincts. Louisiana football culture provided a strong foundation, and he used his high school experience to secure an opportunity at the Power Five level. His decision to leave Louisiana for the Pacific Northwest marked the beginning of a multi-school college career that would later prepare him for professional opportunities.
Path to American Football
Martin began his college football career at Washington State, where he played for the Cougars from 2017 through the 2019 season. During his time in Pullman, he appeared in multiple contests and grew into a reliable target within the Cougars’ offensive system. The experience gave him an early introduction to the speed and complexity of high-level college football.
After the 2019 campaign, Martin transferred to Oklahoma State, joining the Cowboys program for the 2020 and 2021 seasons. At Oklahoma State, he stepped into a larger role within the receiving corps and contributed to one of the Big 12 Conference’s most productive offenses. His 2021 season stood out, as he was recognized as a Second-team All-Big 12 selection, highlighting his development as a polished pass catcher entering the next stage of his career.
Tay Martin Career
Early Career (2022–2023)
Following the 2022 NFL Draft, Martin signed with the San Francisco 49ers as an undrafted free agent on April 30, 2022. He competed throughout the offseason and into training camp before being released during final roster cutdowns on August 30. The very next day, the 49ers signed him to their practice squad, giving him the opportunity to continue his development within a strong organizational structure.
Martin signed a reserve/future contract with the 49ers on January 31, 2023, securing his place with the team heading into the new league year. On August 29, 2023, he was waived and then re-signed to the practice squad, maintaining his presence on the developmental roster. He later signed another reserve/future contract with San Francisco on February 13, 2024, extending his stay through another offseason.
San Francisco 49ers Breakthrough (2022–2024)
Although he never cracked the 49ers’ active roster in a permanent role, Martin’s tenure with San Francisco represented an important phase of his professional growth. Working within one of the NFL’s most respected organizations, he refined his technique and built the habits expected of professional receivers. Multiple reserve/future contracts demonstrated the team’s continued belief in his potential.
Martin’s time with the 49ers ended on August 27, 2024, when he was waived and subsequently re-signed to the practice squad. He was released from the practice squad on September 3, closing out his initial NFL chapter. The experience provided meaningful exposure to top-level coaching and a winning culture.
Tennessee Titans Era (2024–2025)
On September 10, 2024, Martin was signed to the Tennessee Titans’ practice squad, marking a fresh opportunity in the AFC South. He spent the fall developing with the Titans before being promoted to the active roster on January 4, 2025. His promotion came at a critical point in the season, and he was given a chance to contribute in the closing weeks of the campaign.
The defining moment of his Titans tenure came during a 23-14 Week 18 loss to the Houston Texans, when Martin recorded his first career reception. The catch was a 49-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Will Levis, a memorable play that showcased his downfield ability. On May 7, 2025, he was waived/injured and reverted to injured reserve the following day before being waived again on May 14.
Washington Commanders Era (2025–Present)
Martin signed with the Washington Commanders on July 23, 2025, and was released on August 26 during roster cutdowns. He did not stay away long, re-signing with the Commanders’ practice squad on September 16. The organization elevated him to the active roster for Weeks 4, 5, and 6 of the regular season, signaling continued confidence in his abilities.
He was released from the practice squad on October 17, but the elevation pattern showed that Washington viewed him as a developmental asset worthy of game-day opportunities. His current situation reflects the journeyman path many undrafted receivers travel, with steady movement between practice squads and short active-roster stints.
Driving Style and Strengths
At 6 feet 3 inches and 184 pounds, Martin offers an appealing blend of length and athletic traits for the wide receiver position. His college production at Oklahoma State and his 49-yard touchdown reception with the Titans reflect a receiver capable of winning down the field. He demonstrates reliable hands and a smooth route-running style that has helped him remain on NFL rosters.
Notable Events and Milestones
Martin’s most memorable professional moment came on a Week 18 reception against the Houston Texans, when he caught a 49-yard touchdown pass from Will Levis for his first career catch. He was also recognized as a Second-team All-Big 12 selection in 2021, a notable collegiate honor. Multiple reserve/future contracts and practice-squad elevations underscore his persistence in the league.
Tay Martin Career Wins
Tay Martin’s professional career has not yet produced a major individual award, but his path includes several meaningful milestones. His first career reception, a 49-yard touchdown with the Tennessee Titans, stands as the signature highlight of his NFL resume so far.
NFL Highlights
Martin made his NFL debut with the Tennessee Titans after being promoted from the practice squad on January 4, 2025. In his Week 18 appearance against the Houston Texans, he recorded his first career reception, a 49-yard touchdown from Will Levis. The performance offered a glimpse of his big-play potential at the professional level.
Other Wins & Performances
During his time with the Washington Commanders in 2025, Martin was elevated to the active roster for three consecutive weeks, an indication of his value within the organization. His Second-team All-Big 12 selection in 2021 also stands as a strong collegiate accomplishment that helped launch his professional opportunities.
Tay Martin Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Public information about Martin’s immediate family remains limited, and detailed records about his parents have not been widely documented. His upbringing in Houma, Louisiana, and his attendance at Ellender Memorial High School reflect the community environment that supported his athletic development.
Personal Life
Martin has a daughter, a detail that has been noted in his publicly available biographical information. He tends to keep his personal and family life relatively private, focusing public attention primarily on his professional football career.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 NFL season has been a transitional year for Tay Martin, with movement between the Tennessee Titans and the Washington Commanders. After being waived by the Titans in May, he signed with the Commanders on July 23 and later joined their practice squad in mid-September. The Commanders elevated him to the active roster for three consecutive weeks, an encouraging sign of organizational trust.
His release from the practice squad on October 17 once again highlighted the constant turnover that undrafted receivers face in the NFL. Despite the brief active-roster elevation, the season offered him valuable in-season experience and additional practice-squad exposure. Each transaction has added to his resume and provided another opportunity to compete at football’s highest level.
Looking ahead, Martin’s continued development in route running, blocking, and special teams will be key factors in securing a longer-term opportunity. His first career touchdown reception remains a strong selling point for teams evaluating his potential. If he can remain healthy and produce when called upon, he has a reasonable path toward a more permanent roster spot.