Former USC all-conference linebacker Rod Martin passes away at 72
This week, we lost Rod Martin, a linebacker for the Trojans during the 1970s
It has been a rather sad stretch of a few weeks for USC football. In late March, former Trojans safety Joey Browner passed away at 65 . Then, on Monday, we lost former USC linebacker Rod Martin, who was 72.
After starting his career at community college, Martin played for the Trojans in 1975 and 1976. He was originally planning to go to rival UCLA, before the great John McKay came in and convinced him to change his mind . As a senior at USC in 1976, Martin earned first team all-Pac-8 honors while helping lead the Trojans to a conference title.
USC defeated Michigan 14-6 in the Rose Bowl, locking up an 11-1 season and finishing the year ranked No. 2 in the AP Poll. The Oakland Raiders selected Martin in the 12th round of the 1977 NFL Draft.
He would go on to play 12 years with the team, making two Pro Bowls and helping lead them to two Super Bowl titles. In Super Bowl XV, Martin recorded a historic three interceptions as Oakland defeated the Philadelphia Eagles 27-10 to win the title. Following his football career, Martin returned USC, working in the IT department on campus.