NFL Steelers signing alleged Pokémon scammer to 53-man roster
Firings aren’t the only things the Pittsburgh Steelers are up to today. Per ESPN’s Adam Schefter, they’re signing NFL journeyman linebacker Blake Martinez to their active roster.
He’s not so well-known for his play-making ability as he is for a Pokémon scam that he used to retire from the league last fall.
A fourth-round pick by the Green Bay Packers in 2016, Martinez, 29, spent the first four seasons with the club. That run was productive enough to earn a three-year $30 million free-agent deal with the Giants in 2020. After his release during cutdowns in 2022, he appeared in four games with the Raiders before retiring to sell Pokémon cards.
In 84 games (78 starts), Martinez logged 13 sacks, four interceptions, four forced fumbles, three fumble recoveries, 18 quarterback hits and 22 passes defended.
Steelers are signing veteran NFL LB Blake Martinez off the Panthers’ practice squad and on to their 53-man roster, per source.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) November 21, 2023
