By Contributing Reporter Francis Inabnet
Samford University continues to get its foot in the door among other big schools in contributing athletes to the NFL draft. After turning out multiple professional athletes like James Bradberry and Michael Pierce, former Samford linebacker Noah Martin hopes to join the club of Bulldogs turned pros.
Martin has been playing football for 17 years. His father got him involved in youth league tackle football when he was six.
“I was always a bigger kid. I remember distinctly that I was too heavy to run the ball; they had a weight limit on that. There was one time I played, and they would throw me the ball, and I couldn’t run with it, and I just had to fall down or run out of bounds,” said Martin.
While this was annoying for Martin, his circumstances changed once he entered middle school. While still playing defense and linebacker, he also gained experience playing in new positions.
“I finally could run the ball. I played running back in middle school, and it was fun getting to score,” said Martin.
Martin then went to Baylor High School in Chattanooga, Tenn., where he played football and basketball but focused on football as his main sport. His linebacker coach, Eric Westmoreland, has been an influential figure for him, thus allowing him to reach his peak talent in high school.
“I was not super fond of him at first, but he gave me tough love and pushed me to become a better player.” said Martin. “He did that until my senior year, when I had a really good year…his motivation morphed me into the player I was going into college.”
During his time at Baylor, he discovered that linebacker was his favored position, which he pursued during his athletic career at Samford.
While it’s most young athletes’ dreams to go professional, it is difficult for everyone to achieve it. Oftentimes, the process is gradual and requires patience on the part of the athlete.
“If you worried about the future, it’s because you’re worried about the future without God…It’s not all on me to do it, it’s in God’s hands,” said Martin.
Despite the importance of performance, mentality and faith have also played a significant role for Martin throughout his football career. Martin claims that his father, Dwight Martin, has been an important figure in his life and is his hero.
His dad has continuously provided him with sound advice and biblical encouragement. His words of wisdom have been paramount, especially when equipping himself mentally for the Pro Day.
“He has really walked through challenges and just taken them on, but he wanted to give God glory and honor. With the Pro Day coming up, I encourage him to have a biblical and eternal perspective,” said Dwight Martin.
Preparing for competitive and intense evaluations in sports like the Pro Day can be nerve-racking for athletes. Yet, maintaining one’s priorities and a godly perspective is both reassuring and refreshing for the individual.
“Your identity and purpose will always be bound in Christ,” said Dwight Martin.
While simultaneously achieving his master’s in accounting, Martin has much on his plate as he equips himself for the Pro Day, which takes place on March 27 at UAB.
NFL team representatives will scout players who meet their criteria. Players are tested on their athletic abilities such as their vertical jump, broad jump, L-drill, and quickness during their forty. The forty is a player’s forty-yard dash time; their goal is to complete it in 4.6 seconds or less. Noah achieved this time within one-tenth of a second.
The Detroit Lions are showing interest in Martin’s athleticism and football talent. When participating in the Gridiron Showcase in Texas, the Detroit Lions spoke to Martin for a second time, demonstrating interest. Yet, during the UAB held Pro Day on March. 27, there will be more pro scouts evaluating players, leaving Martin with more opportunities to be seen.
Congratulations Noah, good luck on Pro day. Like you said, it’s in God’s hand.