Fansided

Jonathan Martin retiring from NFL

By Matt Verderame

Jun 17, 2014; San Francisco, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers tackle Jonathan Martin (71) walks to the locker room during minicamp at the 49ers practice facility. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 17, 2014; San Francisco, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers tackle Jonathan Martin (71) walks to the locker room during minicamp at the 49ers practice facility. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jonathan Martin was one of the best tackles in college football only a few years ago, becoming a second-round pick of the Miami Dolphins in 2012 out of Stanford University. Now, at only 25 years old, Martin has decided to retire only months after signing with the Carolina Panthers because he did not want to endure back surgery, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network.

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Martin never panned out with the Dolphins, perhaps in large part to the bullying scandal that involved both he and Richie Incognito. Incognito, known as one of the gruffer players in the league, was accused of bullying Martin throughout his two-year tenure with Miami, leading to Martin walking away from the team for emotional reasons.

Eventually, Ted Wells was brought in to provide his findings on what the Dolphins knew about the situation and what Incognito and other offensive linemen did to Martin. The saga ended in the Wells Report, which all but forced Miami to suspend Incognito and ultimately allow him to walk away from the team. In the report, it was said that Incognito, center Mike Pouncey and others consistently harassed Martin.

After the 2013 season, Martin was dealt to the San Francisco 49ers where he was a backup tackle behind Joe Staley and Anthony Davis. He then hit free agency this winter and was picked up by the Panthers to compete with left tackle Michael Oher, but has walked away instead.

Martin’s retirement is just another this offseason in a long line of young players deciding to walk away from the NFL. Pittsburgh Steelers inside linebacker Jason Worilds walked away for reported religious reasons, while Tennessee Titans quarerback Jake Locker and 49ers inside linebacker Chris Borland also declined to continue his career, citing a concern over his long-term health.

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