NFL Super Bowl Legend Dead Monday at 72

Originally posted on The Spun | By Andrew Holleran | Last updated Apr 20, 2026 4:40 PM ET

A legendary NFL Super Bowl legend died on Monday. He was 72.

Rod Martin, a two-time Super Bowl champion with the Raiders, has passed away. The former Raiders linebacker great starred collegiately at USC. Martin was a standout performer, as a two-time Pro Bowl selection, while also being named All-Pro twice. During Super Bowl XV, he set a Super Bowl record that stands to this day with three interceptions in the Raiders' 27-10 victory over the Eagles.

The Raiders are deeply saddened by his loss.

Raiders helmet. Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images© Kirby Lee-Imagn Images.

The Raiders released a statement on Monday.

"The Raiders Family is deeply saddened by the passing of Rod Martin, a standout linebacker and key player on two Super Bowl championship teams," the franchise announced.

"A 12th-round draft pick by the Silver and Black out of USC in 1977, Rod would become a mark of consistency on defense, playing in 165 games with 147 starts in 12 NFL seasons, all with the Raiders. A two-time Pro Bowl selection, he was also named All-Pro twice, garnering first-team honors in 1984. As the central figure in a dominant defensive effort in Super Bowl XV, he set a Super Bowl record that still remains with three interceptions in the Raiders' 27-10 victory over the Eagles. Three years later, he recorded a sack and fumble recovery as the Raiders defeated Washington in Super Bowl XVIII, 38-9.

"A beloved member of the Raiders Family and a favorite of Raiders fans everywhere, the deepest condolences of the entire Raider Nation are with Rod's family at this time."