Alright, NFL fans, let’s spill some tea about Buffalo Bills punter Sam Martin and his love life. Once upon a time—2019, to be exact—Martin was scoring major points off the field by dating none other than Nastia Liukin, America’s golden gymnast and star of the 2008 Beijing Olympics. The two walked the ESPY Awards red carpet like the real MVPs, radiating power couple vibes. But as any good NFL season reminds us, not all promising starts end in a Super Bowl.

But Sam’s story isn’t all X’s and O’s. In 2019, he joined the Special Olympics in Abu Dhabi, a trip that would profoundly impact him. “You could just tell how happy and proud they were,” he said about the athletes, adding, “It just opens your eyes to what’s important in life.” Whether handing out ribbons to gymnasts or inspiring athletes with intellectual disabilities, Martin’s commitment to inclusion rivals his commitment to pinning punts.

By 2020, this dynamic duo called it quits, putting their romance on the bench. Rumor has it that their busy schedules played the role of defensive coordinator in their relationship, making it hard to find time for a touchdown-worthy connection. In classic Martin style—cool, calm, and private—he’s kept the breakup drama-free. “Privacy is the real MVP,” we imagine him saying while punting any gossip to the sidelines.

Fast-forward to now: Sam’s relationship status? Single and thriving. His focus? Family, football, and a contract extension worth $7.5 million over three years. That’s right—this guy’s been working harder on the field than a quarterback facing a Bills blitz. As for Nastia? She’s busy with her Nastia Liukin Cup and inspiring the next generation of gymnasts. It’s a mutual “we good” situation, and honestly, we’re here for it.

While fans might’ve rooted for a reunion, Sam seems more interested in pinning punts inside the 20-yard line than revisiting old plays. In true football fashion, he’s living the mantra: “On to the next game.” And speaking of the next game, let’s dive into Sam’s journey from high school standout to NFL star.

Sam Martin: From Georgia Boy to NFL Punting Prodigy

Born on February 27, 1990, in Georgia, Sam Martin grew up with one foot on the field and the other… also on the field (he is a punter, after all). At Starr’s Mill High School, he earned all-state recognition during his junior year, showing off a leg so powerful it could probably boot a football into orbit. College came calling, and Sam packed his bags for Appalachian State, where he punted his way into the All-America First Team by his senior season.

In 2013, the Detroit Lions drafted him in the fifth round and the rest is NFL history. Martin didn’t just punt; he painted masterpieces on the gridiron. Four punts for 142 yards in a game? Check. NFC Special Teams Player of the Week? Double-check. By 2022, he found himself signing with the Buffalo Bills, and just a year later, the team handed him that sweet three-year contract extension.

In the 2024 NFL regular season, Sam brought his A-game. Over 17 games, he delivered 54 punts for a whopping 2,523 yards, averaging 46.7 yards per punt. His longest punt? A jaw-dropping 65 yards. In the playoffs, he upped the ante, averaging 48.8 yards over four punts and helping the Bills secure tight wins against the Broncos and Ravens. Sam’s consistency on special teams is the kind of performance that makes coaches sleep better at night. And with 25 punts inside the 20-yard line last season, & securing a $100,000 bonus he’s not just playing the field—he’s dominating it.

Whether it’s breaking up with an Olympic legend or stepping up when his team needs him, Sam Martin reminds us that life is all about perspective. As he put it after his Special Olympics experience: “You really appreciate the things that often get overlooked.” Spoken like a true punter—always focused, always aiming for precision, and always making sure the little things count, on to them up against chiefs.