As we look back at the 2019 NFL season, it's easy to focus on the standout performances of star players like Patrick Mahomes, Lamar Jackson, and Christian McCaffrey. However, there's one player who flew under the radar, quietly putting together a record-breaking season that deserves recognition: Sam Martin, the punter for the Detroit Lions.
While punters may not get as much attention as quarterbacks or running backs, they play a crucial role in the game of football. Martin proved this in 2019, consistently pinning opponents deep in their own territory and helping the Lions win the field position battle. In this article, we'll take a closer look at Martin's impressive season and examine how he became one of the NFL's best punters.
The Early Years
Sam Martin was born on February 27, 1990, in Georgia. He grew up playing football and soccer, but it wasn't until high school that he started to focus on punting. Martin attended Starr's Mill High School in Fayetteville, Georgia, where he quickly gained a reputation as one of the top punters in the state.
After high school, Martin enrolled at Appalachian State University, where he continued to hone his punting skills. He played for the Mountaineers for four years, earning All-American honors twice and setting numerous school records. Despite his success in college, Martin was not selected in the 2013 NFL Draft. However, he was signed as an undrafted free agent by the Detroit Lions, and his NFL career was about to begin.
The Breakout Season
In his first few seasons with the Lions, Martin showed flashes of potential but was inconsistent at times. However, in 2019, everything finally clicked for the talented punter. Martin set a new career-high for gross punting average, averaging 47.2 yards per punt. He also set a new franchise record for net punting average, with an impressive mark of 42.0 yards per punt.
Martin's success was not just limited to his average yardage, though. He also excelled at pinning opponents deep in their own territory, with 37 punts landing inside the 20-yard line. This helped the Lions win the field position battle in many games, giving their offense a shorter field to work with and making it more difficult for opponents to mount a comeback.
The Secret to Success
So, what made Sam Martin so successful in 2019? According to the punter himself, it was a combination of factors. Martin credited his offseason training regimen, which focused on improving his leg strength and flexibility. He also worked closely with special teams coordinator John Bonamego to refine his technique and improve his consistency.
Another key factor in Martin's success was his mental approach to the game. The punter revealed that he had started working with a sports psychologist in 2019, who helped him develop a more positive mindset and stay focused on his goals. Martin also credited his teammates and coaches for their support, saying that the Lions' tight-knit locker room was a big part of his success.
The Legacy of 2019
Sam Martin's breakout season in 2019 will go down as one of the best individual performances by a punter in recent memory. His record-setting average yardage and pinpoint accuracy helped the Lions win several games and stay competitive in a tough division. Martin's success also earned him recognition from his peers, as he was named a second-team All-Pro and selected to the Pro Bowl for the first time in his career.
As we look ahead to the future, it's clear that Sam Martin has established himself as one of the NFL's premier punters. With his combination of leg strength, accuracy, and mental toughness, Martin has the potential to continue putting up record-breaking numbers for years to come. And while he may not get as much attention as some of the league's biggest stars, Martin's contributions to the game of football should not be overlooked.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, Sam Martin's 2019 season was truly one for the ages. The Detroit Lions punter proved that even in a league dominated by high-powered offenses and flashy skill players, a great punter can still make a huge impact on the game. Martin's success was the result of hard work, dedication, and a positive mindset, and his legacy will be remembered for years to come. So the next time you watch a football game, take a moment to appreciate the unsung heroes like Sam Martin, who play a crucial role in making the game great.
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