Raiders Super Bowl Champion Dies at 72
Linebacker Rod Martin, whose three interceptions for the Oakland Raiders in their Super Bowl XV victory highlighted his 12-year NFL career, died. He was 72.
The Las Vegas Review-Journal was first to report Martin’s death. Danny Reece, Martin’s teammate at the University of Southern California, wrote on Facebook that Martin died April 20.
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Martin made two Pro Bowls in his career, and helped the Raiders win Super Bowls in 1981 and 1984. He retired after the 1988 season with 14 interceptions, 10 forced fumbles, and one safety in 165 NFL games - all with the Raiders.
The son of a West Virginia coal miner, Martin transferred to USC from Los Angeles City College. He was an all-Pac-10 selection for the Trojans in 1976.
Martin reportedly was endorsed by USC head coach John Robinson, who advised Oakland Raiders head coach John Madden to consider the instinctive linebacker with a late-round draft pick. He was selected in the 12th round, 317th overall, of the 1977 NFL Draft by the defending NFL champions.
By his second year in the NFL, Martin was regularly filling in at inside linebacker. He started 15 of 16 games in 1979 for rookie Raiders head coach Tom Flores.
In 1980, Oakland went 11-5, tying the San Diego Chargers for the best record in the AFC West. The two teams met again in the conference championship game, with the Raiders winning 34-27.
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Martin picked off Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Ron Jaworski three times in his first Super Bowl appearance on Jan. 25, 1981. He was also credited with five solo tackles and five assisted tackles in the game.
Three years later, the Raiders returned to the Super Bowl and drubbed Washington 38-9. Martin sacked quarterback Joe Theismann and recovered a fumble in his final championship-game appearance.
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After retiring, Martin remained in Los Angeles and made appearances as an extra in commercials for McDonald’s and John Madden’s video game. He also appeared in an episode of “Married with Children.”
Martin eventually went back to USC as a technical support manager in the school’s information services department. The CIF-Los Angeles City Section, where Martin played for Hamilton High School, inducted him into its Hall of Fame in 2021.
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This story was originally published April 20, 2026 at 4:19 PM.