Nick Martin's Excited About His NFL Debut On Saturday

Oklahoma State has churned out a lot of really good linebackers over the past several years, a good number of which are playing in the NFL. Amen Ogbongbemiga and Malcolm Rodriguez are two who have had solid careers so far in the league. 

The next in that line is Nick Martin. 

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Martin was a third-round draft pick this past spring for the San Francisco 49ers. After a great career in Stillwater, Martin is poised to make some noise in San Fran as he’s worked his way through the depth chart and is currently the second WILL backer for the 49ers behind Dee Winters out of TCU.

Martin injured his thumb during the offseason but told reporters recently he’s ready to go. “It’s great, feeling great. Moving forward, it healed up and I’m full go, 100%. It was just an offseason thing – smashed it – things happen sometimes when you’re lifting or in practice. But it healed quick and is all good.”

Two weeks into training camp and the 49ers play their first preseason game Saturday night. Nick was always a talented football player in Stillwater, quick to learn and quick to dominate. He was asked how his first two weeks in the league have been.

“A lot of learning, some adjusting and it’s been fun,” Martin said of his first two weeks of training camp. “Guys have really taken me under their wing, and I’ve grown a lot. So, it’s been fun.” 

With training camp and practice comes preparing for games. The college game has rapidly adjusted to the pro model of coaches not wanting to get their start players injured during a physical practice, but still a necessity in such a physical league. So, it’s safe to say Martin probably hasn’t fully/really hit anyone in a while considering his last season in Stillwater ended early in the year due to injury.

D. Ross Cameron-Imagn Images

Martin at practice in San Francisco

“It’s been a while,” Martin said. “It’s definitely tough not going down (in practice). Definitely when you get in that mode when y’all in the hole and one of y’all gotta not go to the ground, that’s part of just practicing safe. Coach (Kyle) Shanahan is real evident about that and he’s real on top of just keeping us healthy. So, I understand it, and we got to protect the team.”

Martin’s NFL debut, as I mentioned above, is this coming Saturday as they play host to the Denver Broncos. Kick is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. CT, and The Missile immediately lit up when he was asked about the game.

“I’m excited,” said Martin of his first preseason game. “I’d probably say that’s the biggest word I got for this is just real excited and just excited to live the dream for real and actually finish these plays.”