The ultimate goal for many college football players is to make it to the NFL. It’s a dream that they have been working towards since they first picked up a football. But for some, the path to the NFL is not as straightforward as they had hoped. Take Ohio State quarterback, Tate Martell, for example. Despite being a highly touted recruit and playing for a powerhouse program like the Buckeyes, Martell found himself stuck on the bench, making it difficult for him to get noticed by NFL scouts and ultimately get drafted. However, instead of giving up on his dream, Martell took a leap of faith and bet on himself.
Martell’s journey to Ohio State was nothing short of impressive. He was a highly sought-after recruit, with offers from top programs such as Alabama, Clemson, and USC. But he ultimately chose Ohio State, where he was expected to be the next great quarterback for the Buckeyes. However, things didn’t go as planned for Martell. He found himself behind Dwayne Haskins on the depth chart, and despite his talent and potential, he was unable to secure the starting spot.
For any athlete, being on the bench can be frustrating and demoralizing. But for a player like Martell, who had his sights set on the NFL, it was even more challenging. He knew that in order to make it to the next level, he needed to be on the field, showcasing his skills and abilities. But with Haskins leading the Buckeyes to a successful season, Martell’s opportunities were limited.
As the 2018 season came to an end, Martell faced a tough decision. Should he stay at Ohio State and continue to fight for playing time, or should he transfer to a school where he could have a better chance of starting and catching the eye of NFL scouts? It was a decision that would shape his future and potentially make or break his dream of playing in the NFL.
But before making any decisions, Martell had a conversation with Ohio State head coach, Ryan Day. In an interview with ESPN, Martell revealed that he had a heart-to-heart talk with Day before the Cotton Bowl game against USC. Day told Martell that he believed in him and that he had a bright future ahead of him, but he also understood if Martell wanted to explore other options. It was a difficult conversation, but it showed that Day truly cared about Martell’s future and wanted what was best for him.
In the end, Martell made the tough decision to transfer to the University of Miami. It was a move that shocked many, as Miami was not considered a top program like Ohio State. But for Martell, it was an opportunity to start fresh and prove himself on the field. And that’s exactly what he did.
Martell’s transfer to Miami was a turning point in his career. He was finally given the chance to be the starting quarterback, and he made the most of it. In his first game as a Hurricane, he threw for 121 yards and a touchdown, leading Miami to a win over Florida. He continued to impress throughout the season, showing off his athleticism and playmaking abilities. And while the Hurricanes had a disappointing season overall, Martell’s performance did not go unnoticed.
Despite not being drafted in the 2020 NFL Draft, Martell signed with the Las Vegas Raiders as an undrafted free agent. While it may not have been the ideal path to the NFL, Martell’s determination and perseverance paid off. He bet on himself and proved that he had what it takes to make it to the next level.
Martell’s story is a reminder that sometimes, the road to success is not a straight line. There will be obstacles and challenges along the way, but it’s how we handle them that truly defines us. Martell could have given up on his dream when he found himself on the bench at Ohio State, but he chose to take a leap of faith and bet on himself. And in the end, it paid off.
So to all the college football players out there who may be facing a similar situation, remember Tate Martell’s story. Don’t be afraid to take a chance on yourself and trust in your abilities. And most importantly, never give up on your dreams. Because as Martell has shown, with hard work, determination, and a little bit of faith, anything is possible.
