Tay Martin Bio
Davontavean Martin, known professionally as Tay Martin, is an American professional football wide receiver. Born on December 14, 1997, in Houma, Louisiana, Martin has built his career through a steady climb from small-town high school football to the National Football League. After playing college football for the Washington State Cougars and the Oklahoma State Cowboys, he signed with the San Francisco 49ers as an undrafted free agent in 2022. He has since spent time with multiple NFL organizations, including the Tennessee Titans and the Washington Commanders, and most recently joined the Detroit Lions. Standing 6 ft 1 in tall and weighing approximately 184 pounds, Martin is recognized for his athleticism, route running, and persistence in a competitive league.
Although he has not yet become a household name, Martin has worked his way onto NFL practice squads and active rosters through perseverance. His career is a testament to the undrafted path, where opportunity and timing often matter as much as raw talent. Today, he continues to pursue his goal of establishing himself as a reliable pass catcher at the highest level of American football.
Early Life and Background
Davontavean Martin was born and raised in Houma, Louisiana, a community known for producing hardworking athletes. He attended Ellender Memorial High School in Houma, where he developed the foundational skills that would later earn him a college scholarship. Growing up in Louisiana, a state with a deep football tradition, Martin was exposed early to the demands and discipline of the sport. His size and athleticism allowed him to stand out as a wide receiver prospect during his high school years.
Martin’s senior season at Ellender Memorial generated enough attention from college recruiters to launch his collegiate career. While he was not a heavily recruited national name, his performances in Louisiana high school football earned him an opportunity to play at the Division I level. His upbringing in Houma and his years at Ellender Memorial helped shape his work ethic and competitive mindset, both of which have defined his professional journey.
Path to American Football
After high school, Martin took his talents to the Pac-12 Conference, joining the Washington State Cougars football program in 2017. He spent three seasons with Washington State, from 2017 through 2019, working to refine his receiving skills and adapt to the speed of college football. During this time, he developed his understanding of offensive schemes, route timing, and the physical demands of playing wide receiver at a high level.
Seeking a fresh start and a new opportunity, Martin transferred to Oklahoma State University, where he played for the Cowboys from 2020 through 2021. His performance with the Cowboys reached its peak in 2021, when he earned Second-team All-Big 12 honors, a recognition that validated his development as a college receiver. This all-conference selection significantly raised his profile heading into the 2022 NFL Draft and positioned him as a legitimate professional prospect.
Tay Martin Career
Early Career (2022–2023)
Following the 2022 NFL Draft, Martin went undrafted but quickly signed with the San Francisco 49ers as an undrafted free agent on April 30, 2022. Although he was released during final roster cutdowns on August 30, 2022, he was signed to the team’s practice squad the very next day, giving him an opportunity to develop within a championship-caliber organization. On January 31, 2023, he signed a reserve/future contract with the 49ers, securing his place within the organization heading into the next season.
Martin’s development years in San Francisco were marked by patience and persistence. He was waived on August 29, 2023, and re-signed to the practice squad, continuing to refine his craft behind the scenes. In February 2024, he signed another reserve/future contract with the 49ers, reflecting the organization’s belief in his long-term potential. These early years laid the groundwork for his first eventual opportunity on an active NFL roster.
San Francisco 49ers Era (2022–2024)
Martin’s time with the San Francisco 49ers represented his introduction to the NFL. Joining as an undrafted free agent in 2022, he spent much of his tenure with the team on the practice squad, learning the nuances of professional-level play. The 49ers organization, known for its strong receiving corps and developmental program, provided Martin with an environment to grow his technique and football intelligence.
Throughout 2022 and 2023, Martin bounced between the active roster and practice squad, a common path for undrafted receivers. Although he did not record regular-season statistics during this stretch, his continued presence in the 49ers system demonstrated his value as a developmental prospect. His eventual release in August 2024 opened the door for his first active NFL opportunity elsewhere.
Tennessee Titans Era (2024–2025)
On September 10, 2024, Martin signed with the Tennessee Titans’ practice squad, beginning a new chapter in his professional career. He was promoted to the active roster on January 4, 2025, a milestone moment for the undrafted receiver. In a Week 18 loss to the Houston Texans, Martin made his first career reception, a 49-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Will Levis, instantly announcing his arrival as an NFL pass catcher.
His momentum, however, was interrupted in May 2025, when he was waived with an injury designation and placed on injured reserve. He was subsequently waived again on May 14, 2025, ending his tenure with the Titans. Despite the short stint, his first career touchdown reception stood as a defining moment and a sign of the playmaking ability he had been developing.
Washington Commanders Era (2025)
Martin signed with the Washington Commanders on July 23, 2025, continuing his search for a permanent NFL home. He was released during final roster cutdowns on August 26, 2025, but re-signed with Washington’s practice squad on September 16. During the 2025 season, he was elevated to the active roster for Weeks 4, 5, and 6, giving him another opportunity to contribute at the highest level.
Although his time with the Commanders was brief, it provided valuable experience in another offensive system. He was released from Washington’s practice squad on October 17, 2025, after which he began exploring the next phase of his professional journey. His stints across multiple organizations highlighted the resilience required of an undrafted player navigating the modern NFL.
Columbus Aviators and Detroit Lions Era (2026)
On January 14, 2026, Martin was selected by the Columbus Aviators of the United Football League (UFL), a spring football league that has provided opportunities for NFL-caliber players to stay sharp. His time with the Aviators allowed him to continue competing at a high level while keeping his NFL dreams alive. The UFL experience gave him meaningful game reps during the early months of 2026.
On June 16, 2026, Martin signed with the Detroit Lions, rejoining an NFL roster. The Lions, an NFC North franchise, provided him with another opportunity to compete for a role on offense. This move marked the latest chapter in his journey, reinforcing his status as a persistent and adaptable professional.
Driving Style and Strengths
Although wide receivers are not drivers in the traditional sense, Martin’s playing style is built on speed, precise route running, and reliable hands. He is known for his ability to stretch the field vertically, as evidenced by his first career reception, a 49-yard touchdown with the Titans. His size and catch radius make him a useful target in intermediate and deep passing situations, and his experience in multiple offensive systems has made him a versatile contributor.
Notable Events and Milestones
One of the defining milestones of Martin’s career came in Week 18 of the 2024 NFL season, when he caught his first career touchdown pass, a 49-yard strike from Will Levis. His Second-team All-Big 12 selection in 2021 at Oklahoma State was another career highlight, marking him as one of the top receivers in his conference that season. His signing with the Detroit Lions in 2026 represents yet another opportunity to cement his place in the league.
Tay Martin Career Wins
While wide receivers are typically evaluated by receptions, yards, and touchdowns rather than traditional wins, Martin’s career highlights include verified achievements at the college and professional levels. His Second-team All-Big 12 selection in 2021 stands as one of his most notable honors, and his first career NFL touchdown reception in 2024 marked a major personal milestone.
NFL Receiving Highlights
Through his time in the NFL, Martin has recorded verified career statistics that include 3 receptions for 72 receiving yards and 1 receiving touchdown, as tracked through the 2025 season. His first career reception, a 49-yard touchdown, accounted for the majority of his yardage. These numbers reflect limited but impactful production during his stints on active rosters.
Tay Martin Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Martin was raised in Houma, Louisiana, a community with a strong tradition of athletic development. While specific details about his parents and extended family are not widely documented, his roots in Louisiana shaped his early football journey and provided the foundation for his eventual collegiate and professional opportunities.
Personal Life
Outside of football, Martin is known to have a daughter. He maintains an active presence on social media, where fans can follow his ongoing career. He is recognized for his dedication to family and his commitment to making the most of every opportunity the game provides.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 NFL season was a transitional year for Martin, marked by movement between teams and short stints on active rosters. He began the offseason with the Tennessee Titans before being waived in May 2025 with an injury designation. His release from the Titans set the stage for his next opportunity with the Washington Commanders in late July.
With the Commanders, Martin was elevated to the active roster for Weeks 4, 5, and 6, providing a brief but meaningful window of regular-season action. Although he was released from the practice squad in mid-October, his time on the active roster allowed him to continue building NFL experience.
Looking beyond the 2025 season, Martin’s outlook remains positive as he continues to pursue roster opportunities. His selection by the Columbus Aviators in early 2026 and his subsequent signing with the Detroit Lions reflect an ongoing commitment to his professional development. With continued perseverance, Martin remains focused on establishing a longer-term role in the NFL.