A former linebacker has been popping up in NFL circles for news unrelated to his profession. Playing for the Packers, Raiders and Giants in his career, this player has been making the news in the past few days because of a matter that is not football related.

The Raiders’ Blake Martinez surprised fans when he announced that he would be retiring from the league. The announcement came earlier this month. He took to Instagram to post a message that conveyed his sentiments.

Blake Martinez makes two big announcements

Martinez’s retirement was not the news that caused waves in the NFL World. Martinez, an avid Pokémon card collector, sent fans into a frenzy when he sold a rare card.

Prior to his retirement, the 28-year-old linebacker auctioned a 1998 Pokémon Illustrator Pickachu card. The card is one of the rarest, a collector’s goldmine.

Martinez sold the card for a whopping $672,000. That makes it the second-most expensive Pokémon card to be sold.

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In his Instagram post that announced his retirement, Martinez said he had an amazing journey with incredible franchises that have helped him make lifelong friendships.

“I have chosen to step away from this career at this time to focus on my family and future passions! I am excited for this new journey and appreciate all the fans and organizations that have supported me throughout the years!” he said as part of his statement.

NFL world reacts to Martinez’s massive sale

Fans online reacted to the sale with enthusiasm. One user wants everyone to take inspiration from Martinez.

Another user believes that this is the American dream.

This user makes a witty comment saying that Martinez is the only Raider who has won something.

This fan believes that Martinez’s retirement following the sale cannot be a coincidence.

Another user took a shot at the Raider.

The former linebacker was released by the Giants before he signed on with the Raiders. Martinez only appeared in four Raiders games this season before announcing his retirement.

It seems like the Raiders are taking blow after blow this season. With receiver Hunter Renfro and tight end Darren Waller placed on Injured Reserve, the Raiders’ hopes are slowly dwindling.

After suffering a 20-25 loss to the Indianapolis Colts, the Raiders have slipped to a frustrating 2-7. They now sit at the bottom of the AFC West with the Chiefs, Chargers and Broncos ahead of them.

They will hope for a victory when they take on divisional rivals, the Denver Broncos, in their next bout. With a lacking squad, Raiders fans will hope for a miracle that will redeem them from suffering a fourth straight defeat.

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