Jonathan Martin retires from NFL

Wilfredo Lee/Associated Press

Offensive lineman Jonathan Martin has officially announced his retirement from the NFL.

The news was first reported by Adam Schefter, per his Twitter:

Former Dolphins OT Jonathan Martin, who was on Carolina's roster, is retiring, as @RapSheet reported.

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) July 27, 2015

Martin, who is only 25, was claimed off waivers by the Carolina Panthers on March 27th.

Martin was drafted by the Miami Dolphins in the second round of the 2012 NFL draft. He played at Stanford in his college years, where he would be a two-time All-PAC 12 and two-time All American. In his rookie year, he started 12 games before being benched for Pro Bowl tackle, Jake Long, who came off of injured reserve.

The next year was a rough one for Martin. He was replaced by Bryant McKinnie, and lost his starting job. But even worse, he left the team for emotional reasons that October. He first was put on an undisclosed injury list, but then was sent to the hospital for emotional distress. NFL investigators looked in on the case and revealed that Martin was bullied at the Dolphins facility. Teammates such as fellow lineman Mike Pouncey and John Jerry were harassing the Stanford graduate. However, the biggest problem was guard Richie Incognito. A voicemail submerged of Incognito using racial slurs, and death threats to Martin; saying he would “Slap his Mother in the face…..Kill him”. Martin held out for the rest of the season, and Incognito was suspended and would not play another down for the Dolphins in his NFL career. That November, the Sun-Sentinal reported that the coaches asked Incognito to “toughen up” Martin, and believe that may have been the cause of the bullying.

After Martin was able to overcome this horrible event, he was traded to the San Francisco 49ers for a seventh round draft pick. He only played one game before being waived by the team that March.

Martin had a tough NFL career, but at only 25, we will have to see what he chooses to do next.