Raiders Linebacker Blake Martinez Announces Retirement 1 Month After Joining Team

Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Blake Martinez has announced his retirement from football after seven seasons in the NFL.

Nov 10, 2022, 11:55 AM

JACKSONVILLE, FLORIDA - NOVEMBER 06: Blake Martinez #54 of the Las Vegas Raiders celebrates after making a tackle in the second quarter of the game against the Jacksonville Jaguarsat TIAA Bank Field on November 06, 2022 in Jacksonville, Florida. (Photo by Eric Espada/Getty Images)

(Photo by Eric Espada/Getty Images)

Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Blake Martinez has announced his retirement from football after seven seasons in the NFL.

Martinez joined the Raiders last month. He posted a statement to his Instagram thanking his fans and everyone he’s played with.

I’m announcing my retirement from the game of football! I had an amazing journey with some incredible franchises, and made lifelong friendships. I have chosen to step away from this career at this time to focus on my family and future passions! I am excited for this new journey and appreciate all the fans and organizations that have supported me throughout the years!

A fourth-round pick in 2016 by the Green Bay Packers, Blake Martinez started 76 games and racked up nearly 700 tackles in his career. The veteran was cut by the New York Giants this past offseason after working his way back from tearing his ACL last season. He signed with the Raiders on Oct. 3.

This is the third roster move of the day by the Raiders. Earlier Thursday, the team placed wide receiver Hunter Renfrow and tight end Darren Waller on injured reserve. On Monday, the team released former first-round pick Johnathan Abram.

Congrats on your retirement, @big__blake50! And good luck on your new journey. ☠️ pic.twitter.com/GeNF5Ej3H6

— Las Vegas Raiders (@Raiders) November 10, 2022