While superstars are instrumental in getting an NFL team to the Super Bowl, the big game always seems to feature an unsung hero. Former USC LB Rod Martin had his moment in the sun at Super Bowl XV when he picked off three passes to secure the championship for the Oakland Raiders.
Click here for ESPN's story on Martin and other surprise Super Bowl stars.
Martin still holds the record for most interceptions in one Super Bowl, but amazingly, he was not named the game's MVP. Nevertheless, he has nothing but fond memories of that night in New Orleans.
"I had so many emotions going on that it really didn't bother me," Martin told Jeffri Chadiha about not winning the award. "I was having too much fun [after the game.]"
Interestingly, Martin only got his shot with the Raiders thanks to a recommendation from USC head coach John Robinson who advised Raiders head coach John Madden to consider the instinctive linebacker with a late round draft pick. Martin would end up winning two Super Bowls in Oakland.
(Photo by Dominic DiSaia/ESPN)
Click here for ESPN's story on Martin and other surprise Super Bowl stars.
Martin still holds the record for most interceptions in one Super Bowl, but amazingly, he was not named the game's MVP. Nevertheless, he has nothing but fond memories of that night in New Orleans.
"I had so many emotions going on that it really didn't bother me," Martin told Jeffri Chadiha about not winning the award. "I was having too much fun [after the game.]"
Interestingly, Martin only got his shot with the Raiders thanks to a recommendation from USC head coach John Robinson who advised Raiders head coach John Madden to consider the instinctive linebacker with a late round draft pick. Martin would end up winning two Super Bowls in Oakland.
Martin then and now.
(Photo by Dominic DiSaia/ESPN)
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