Jerald Sherrod Martin (born October 12, 1984) is an American former professional football player who was a safety in the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Troy Trojans and was selected by the Carolina Panthers in the second round of the 2009 NFL draft. Martin has also played for the Jacksonville Jaguars and Chicago Bears.

Early life

Martin was born in 1984 in Griffin, Georgia as one of three children to parents Diane and John. He has a brother named Cory and a sister named Chrystal. At age 9, Martin began playing football and continued through middle and high school. While at Griffin High, Martin played three seasons as a free safety and wide receiver under head coach Steve Devoursney. Griffin was elected team captain in his senior high school year. Griffin Daily News named him All-Purpose Player of the Year in 2002. In that same year, Martin caught seven passes for 177 yards and led the team and the region in punt returns. In Martin's senior year, the Kudzu Magazine named him to the All-Area team. Martin also played four seasons of basketball and competed two seasons in track and field.

College career

Enrolling at Troy University in 2004, Martin played strong safety while assigned as a reservist and member of special teams. He played 12 games during his initial season and was promoted to a starter. He was redshirted in 2006 after undergoing surgery on both his shoulders. By 2007, Martin was assigned to free safety. While attending Troy, Martin majored in Business Management.

Professional career

Carolina Panthers

Martin was drafted in the second round by the Carolina Panthers. In his first career start against Arizona, Martin recorded two interceptions.

Jacksonville Jaguars

On December 30, 2013, the Jacksonville Jaguars signed Martin to a reserve/future contract. He was released on August 30, 2014. He was re-signed on September 23. He became a free agent after the 2014 season.

Chicago Bears

On June 18, 2015, Martin signed a one-year contract with the Chicago Bears. On September 6, 2015, he was released by the Bears. He was re-signed on October 6.

NFL career statistics

Personal life

Martin cut hair in his neighborhood growing up and for teammates in college. During his time with the Jaguars, Sherrod Martin trained to become a barber, preparing for a career after the NFL. Martin now currently works as a master barber in the Atlanta area with current and former NFL players.