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Raiders draft countdown: Rod Martin is best No. 53

Originally posted on Dice City Sports | By Mark Hebert | Last updated Mar 1, 2026 9:11 AM ET

Fifty-three days remain until the 2026 NFL Draft in Pittsburgh, Pa., April 23-25, 2026. After a 3-14 season in 2025, the Las Vegas Raiders hold the No. 1 overall pick as this daily countdown continues through the franchise’s best players by jersey number.

Today, March 1, the number is 53.

Rod Martin, No. 53

Rod Martin owns No. 53 because he was a long-term defensive cornerstone on a championship-era Raiders run and delivered impact plays that changed games. A late-round selection who turned into a leader, Martin spent his entire career in Silver and Black from 1977-1988.

Martin played 165 games for the Raiders and became a fixture in the middle of the defense across two Super Bowl championship teams. He was known for his instincts and range, producing steady week-to-week value while also coming up with timely takeaways.

Image | Source: Dice City Sports
Image | Source: Dice City Sports
Image | Source: Dice City Sports

Happy birthday to former Raiders LB Rod Martin, April 7, 1954.
Super Bowl XV & XVIII Champion, 2x Pro Bowl & 1x First team All-Pro. pic.twitter.com/uHNEheDtOZ

— AFL Godfather

Image | Source: Dice City Sports
Image | Source: Dice City Sports
Image | Source: Dice City Sports
(@NFLMAVERICK) April 7, 2023

Why Martin gets No. 53

No. 53 has several worthy options, but Martin’s combination of longevity, honors and championship résumé puts him on top. He earned two Pro Bowl selections, was named first-team All-Pro, and anchored a defense that consistently played its best football in the postseason.

He also owns one of the biggest single-game moments in Raiders playoff history, a performance that helped define his legacy as a playmaker on the biggest stage.

Draft and background

Martin was born April 7, 1954, in Welch, West Virginia. He played at Alexander Hamilton High School in California before starring at USC.

The Oakland Raiders drafted him in the 12th round, 317th overall, of the 1977 NFL Draft — a deep pick that turned into a core defender for more than a decade.

Other notable No. 53s

Dan Birdwell, 1962-1969
Thomas Howard, 2006-2010
Rob Fredrickson, 1994-1997
Malcolm Smith, 2015-2016
Bill Romanowski, 2002-2003

Career check

Martin’s case is built on durability, awards and championships — and he delivered signature moments when the stakes were highest. For No. 53, the best Raider is Rod Martin.

Next up tomorrow: No. 52.

This article first appeared on Dice City Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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