Former NFL Star Blake Martinez Aims for Redemption Seeking a Second Chance After Pokémon Scam Controversy

Former Giants linebacker Blake Martinez’s story in the world of professional football has been unlike any other. Once a stalwart player for the New York Giants and Green Bay Packers, he had made a sudden exit from the NFL to venture into an unexpected arena. Martinez had found a passion for collecting Pokemon cards after retiring from the game in 2022. Evidently, this epic career pivot led to instant fame and fortune for the player, with Martinez reportedly making a jaw-dropping income. 

According to his statements, Blake began earning around $11.5 million in less than a year after beginning his renewed profession as a collector. But then, like a plot twist in an unfolding drama, it all came crashing down when the former player was caught in an act of dishonesty.

Blake Martinez’s little Pokemon controversy 

Martinez’s journey in pro football took off after his selection as a fourth-round pick in the 2016 NFL Draft by the Green Bay Packers. With over 700 tackles and 13 sacks to his name during his seven-season NFL career, Martinez had etched his name as a formidable presence on the football field. Hence, his bold decision to leave the sport raised eyebrows, although it started paying off in no time. After generating a hefty amount of revenue, Blake eventually sold a rare Illustrator Pikachu card for a staggering $672,000, swiftly capturing the attention of the Pokémon community. 

Martinez’s business, popularly known as ‘Blake’s Breaks’, took off as he claimed to have earned millions in the industry. However, the news of his scamming feats soon surfaced online when the football persona was accused of misconduct related to card transactions. With allegations of scamming his customers, the controversy led to his permanent ban from the renowned card-selling marketplace named WhatNot. 

Business misdemeanor leads to severe consequences 

While the details of the allegations remained elusive, many users claimed that Martinez had swapped valuable cards for less effective ones. The situation depicted another hurdle in the ex-football player’s path, highlighting his stunning fall from grace. With countless speculations growing about his startup, the brand value was ruined.

Recovering from the harrowing scandal, Blake recently declared his wish to seek a comeback in the NFL community. The 29-year-old has evidently begun his workout for the Carolina Panthers, according to the latest updates. 

Read More: The future of Indian football: An in-depth analysis

Martinez’s football career has seen its fair share of ups and downs. He was signed to the New York Giants on a three-year, $30 million deal in 2020. He had a strong debut season, playing in all 16 games and totaling 151 tackles. However, a torn ACL in the 2021 season ultimately led to his release, although the player is determined to change his fate this time. Additionally, he had also briefly played for the Raiders in 2022 before focusing on his unconventional Pokémon venture. As the former NFL star attempted a second act in football, the question remained whether he would get another chance. Although the future seemed uncertain, the lure of the gridiron continued pulling Martinez back into the game.

Watch This Story: Sarcastic bullying by college football anchor rattles Travis Hunter, post Colorado’s crushing defeat