Former tackles leader eyeing comeback after scamming fiasco

Blake Martinez (54) Dennis Schneidler-USA TODAY Sports

Former NFL tackles leader eyeing comeback after Pokémon scamming fiasco

By Vinny Somma | Last updated 10/26/23

After a highly successful post-NFL business venture went sideways, Blake Martinez is eyeing a return to the gridiron. According to Tom Pelissero of NFL Network, the 2017 co-leader in tackles worked out for the Carolina Panthers on Wednesday.

Veteran LB Blake Martinez worked out today for the #Panthers.

After retiring last November, the 29-year-old Martinez got his release from Las Vegas last week and is looking to make a comeback. pic.twitter.com/D0i1ylQyw7
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) October 25, 2023

Martinez unexpectedly stepped away from football in 2022, seven years into his professional career. More surprising than his retirement was why he hung up his cleats.

Martinez launched a business called "Blake's Breaks" in July 2022 that specialized in trading Pokémon cards. In an interview with The Athletic a year later, Martinez said revenue for the company had surpassed the $11.5 million mark.

In August, however, Martinez's post-NFL career took a turn for the worse when Whatnot — an online marketplace that features live auctions — banned him from its platform for allegedly scamming buyers.

Whatnot issued refunds to all buyers impacted by the alleged infractions after a "comprehensive investigation" was conducted.

We really appreciate the community’s commitment to reporting trust & safety issues. Our priority is ensuring a fair and honest experience for customers and upholding our community guidelines. After a comprehensive investigation into Blakesbreaks’ operations we have decided to…
— Whatnot (@Whatnot) August 4, 2023

Martinez, 29, last played for the Las Vegas Raiders, appearing in four games in 2022. Selected in the fourth round of the 2016 NFL Draft by the Green Bay Packers, he carved out a career as a tackling machine during his days in Titletown. From 2017-2019, Martinez amassed 443 tackles for the Packers. His stellar play netted him a three-year, $30 million deal with the New York Giants. In his lone healthy season with New York, Martinez collected 151 tackles — his fourth consecutive 144-plus tackle season.

Carolina's defense has allowed the second-most rushing yards in the NFL this season (144.3 YPG) and will likely be without linebacker Shaq Thompson for the remainder of the year due to a broken fibula.

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