Lions' Tay Martin becoming latest breakout star from UFL

Former UFL standout Tay Martin is the latest spring football star making a big splash in the NFL. 

The explosive playmaker had a big role on Sunday, contributing to the Detroit Lions' 19-9 victory over the Miami Dolphins. First, Martin recorded a thrilling 11-yard fake-punt reception, then he delivered a touchdown-saving tackle when the Dolphins struck back with their own fake punt.  

Pinned deep at the Miami 36-yard line, Dolphins punter Bradley Pinion got off a short pass to Kaytron Allen, who broke free for a 46-yard reception before Martin nailed him at the Lions’ 18-yard line. But thanks to that save, the Detroit defense dug in, and the Dolphins came away with a 34-yard field goal rather than a touchdown.  

This isn’t the first time Martin came up with a big save; he’s been making plays for the Lions all season. His first Lions game was against his childhood team, the New Orleans Saints, but the Houma, La., native didn’t let that stand in the way of his performance. In addition to recording three solo tackles, Martin’s quickness and talent as a gunner on special teams earned him a game ball in Week 1. 

Delivering a hard-hitting tackle on New Orleans punt returner Barion Brown that knocked him for a loss, Martin pinned the Saints back on their 14-yard line.

Asked by reporter Brad Galli what it was like getting the game ball, Martin said it was totally unexpected, but he was grateful for the chance to be on the roster in Week 1.

"My whole career, man…just been battling staying on the field as far as being elevated from the practice squad, so just to be on the roster bro, Week 1, it was just amazing for me and um..I was ready. I took full advantage of it and it was fun," Martin said.

The Lions' preseason competition 

Throughout the Lions' preseason, Martin became a standout in Detroit’s overcrowded receiving room. Competing against other UFL talents, seasoned NFL veterans and rostered Lions players, Martin continued to impress the coaching staff. 

Week after week, Lions head coach Dan Campbell, offensive coordinator Drew Petzing and special teams coordinator Dave Fipp mentioned Martin in media sessions. He was the one turning heads, getting more snaps during the preseason games and taking reps with the first team in the closing days of camp.

During a preseason game against the Bengals, Martin caught his only target, a 14-yard reception. In Week 3 against the Indianapolis Colts, he scored a two-yard touchdown reception. But Martin's real contribution came on special teams. According to Pro Football Focus, he was Detroit's highest-rated special teams player with a 79.9. In addition, on offense, Martin also graded well as a run blocker, recording a 78.3.

From the NFL to the UFL, and back again

The Lions aren't Martin's first NFL team. The 28-year-old UDFA from Oklahoma State previously bounced around the NFL for several years before making his UFL debut with the Columbus Aviators. 

During his time in the NFL, Martin had brief stints with the San Francisco 49ers, Tennessee Titans and Washington Commanders.

It was during his stint with the Titans that Martin made his NFL debut. In Week 18 of the 2024 season, he was targeted just once by quarterback Will Levis. However, Martin turned it into a 49-yard touchdown pass. That one reception was enough for the Titans to sign him for the 2025 season. 

However, an undisclosed injury in May landed Martin on injured reserve. Released from Tennessee with an injury settlement, he was signed to the Commanders practice squad in July 2025. Once again, quality practice reps were hard to come by. After appearing in three games for Washington, he was released in October.

Things began to change for the better when Martin was drafted by the Aviators in the 2026 UFL player draft. The consistent practices and weekly playing time helped refine his skill set. Ranked third overall among 2026 UFL wide receivers, he compiled a record of 42 catches for 482 yards with two touchdowns in 10 games. His longest catch went for 52 yards.

Crediting the UFL as a career launching pad 

Martin is the first to acknowledge how much he benefited from his time spent in the UFL. Calling the UFL a vital launching pad that relaunched his career, Martin shared with Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press how his time spent in the UFL allowed him to develop his route running, improve his overall game as a receiver and rebuild his confidence.  

Admittedly, Martin is an exception to the rule as one of the rare players who successfully transitioned from the spring leagues to the NFL. However, joining the ranks of others like the Dallas Cowboys' Brandon Aubrey and KaVontae Turpin, Jalen Redmond of the Minnesota Vikings, Andre Szmyt of the Cleveland Browns and Detroit's Jake Bates and Jacob Saylors proves the UFL is a career development portal for the NFL. 

As the league continues to expand nationwide, expect to see more opportunities for talented young players to reach the NFL via the UFL pipeline.