Almost a year ago, linebacker Blake Martinez unexpectedly ended his NFL career. One of the reasons: The now 29-year-old wanted to pursue one of his greatest hobbies, collecting Pokemon cards. Now Martinez could start a comeback in the NFL.
As Tom Pelissero of the “NFL Network” reports, the linebacker completed a workout with the Carolina Panthers on Wednesday. “It seems like he’s making a comeback,” Pelissero explained.
Drafted in the fourth round by the Green Bay Packers in 2016, he subsequently developed into a respected defender.
In March 2020, he moved to the New York Giants, giving Martinez a three-year contract worth $30 million. Just one season later, however, they moved on to the Las Vegas Raiders. There he tore a cruciate ligament in the third week, which put a damper on his career.
At the time of his sudden retirement in November 2022, Martinez wrote on Instagram: “I have had an amazing journey with some incredible franchises and have made lifelong friendships. I have decided to step away from this career at this time to focus on my family and to focus on future passions.”
NFL: Martinez earned millions from Pokemon cards – before his account was blocked
One of those passions was Pokemon cards. But Martinez didn’t just see it as a hobby, he turned it into a career. By July, according to US portal The Athletic, Martinez earned a whopping $11.5 million collecting and selling rare cards.
In August, however, came the shock: After allegations from several customers, a comprehensive investigation was launched into Martinez’s account. In fact, this account was later blocked.
“After a comprehensive investigation into (Blakes Breaks’) operations, we have decided to permanently remove the seller from our platform, including the individual employees who were involved in the misconduct.”
Martinez commented on the incident on Instagram at the time, acknowledging a personnel change and downplaying the severity of the errors that occurred between “Blakes Breaks” and his clients.
So for now it was the end of Martinez’s Pokemon career – but obviously the starting signal for an NFL comeback.