Former New York Giants linebacker Blake Martinez stepped away from the NFL last November to pursue a career in Pokemon cards. His retirement was abrupt and unexpected.
Martinez had found a new niche in the card game, which began when he bought and later sold a rare Pokemon card for $672,000.
In just seven short months, Martinez claims to have earned upwards of $5 million in Pokemon card sales and breaks. He had started a regular stream on the popular Whatnot app but then things got a little hairy.
In August, Whatnot suspended the account owned and operated by Martinez after scamming accusations had arisen. Several of those who purchased cards through Martinez’s breaks were issued refunds.
Martinez offered an apology. Of sorts.
“I understand the optics,” Martinez said. “I understand how it looks, trust me. I know the type of business I run. I know the type of decisions I made across the board.
“I made a good amount of money — everybody knows, in the NFL — I knew stepping into this was going to have a target on my back.
“I know people that come in here, spend their hard-earned money that they could spend elsewhere — and I want this to be a safe space. I’m definitely going to take this as a learning experience … and I’m going to make an improvement.”
Now, just a few short months after the Pokemon card fallout, Martinez is working on an NFL comeback.
Martinez was officially released by the Las Vegas Raiders last week and on Thursday, worked out for the Carolina Panthers.
Veteran LB Blake Martinez worked out today for the #Panthers.
After retiring last November, the 29-year-old Martinez got his release from Las Vegas last week and is looking to make a comeback. pic.twitter.com/D0i1ylQyw7
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) October 25, 2023
Although Martinez was not immediately signed by the Panthers, it’s clear that his career course has shifted once again. Still just 29 years old, it will be interesting to see if an NFL team eventually brings him on.
