Zachary Edward Martin Bio
Zachary Edward Martin is an American former professional football player who was a guard for 11 seasons in the National Football League (NFL), all for the Dallas Cowboys. He played college football for the Notre Dame Fighting Irish and was selected by the Cowboys in the first round of the 2014 NFL Draft. Named to the NFL 2010s All-Decade Team, Martin made nine Pro Bowls and nine All-Pro teams.
Early Life and Background
Zachary Edward Martin was born on November 20, 1990, in Indianapolis, Indiana. He grew up in a supportive family environment that encouraged athleticism and competition. Martin and his brother, Nick, attended Saint Matthew Catholic School in Indianapolis, where they participated in various sports through the Catholic Youth Organization. They later enrolled at Bishop Chatard High School, where Zachary excelled in football, earning first-team all-state honors and helping his team secure state championships. He was not only a standout football player but also participated in basketball and track and field, showcasing his diverse athletic abilities. Martin was recognized as a four-star recruit and accepted a scholarship to play at the University of Notre Dame, turning down offers from other prestigious programs.
Path to American Football
At Notre Dame, Zachary Martin redshirted his freshman year before becoming the starting left tackle in 2010. He quickly made a name for himself, starting all 13 games and contributing to a strong offensive line that allowed only 17 sacks during his junior year. In 2012, he was named team captain, leading the Fighting Irish to an undefeated regular season and a spot in the BCS National Championship Game. Martin’s final season was marked by a record-setting number of career starts for an offensive lineman at Notre Dame, and he earned the MVP title in the Pinstripe Bowl, becoming the first offensive lineman to receive that honor since 1959. His impressive college career paved the way for his entry into the NFL.
Zachary Edward Martin Career
Early Career (2014-2016)
Zachary Martin was drafted by the Dallas Cowboys as the 16th overall pick in the first round of the 2014 NFL Draft. He quickly established himself as a key player, starting at right guard from the outset of his rookie season. Martin’s performance earned him a spot in the Pro Bowl, making him one of only four rookies selected that year. He was also named to the PFWA All-Rookie Team and the Associated Press All-Pro Team, becoming the first rookie offensive lineman to achieve this distinction since 1947. His early career was marked by consistent excellence, as he was named to the Pro Bowl and All-Pro teams multiple times in the following years.
Breakthrough (2017-2023)
In 2017, Martin continued to solidify his reputation as one of the top guards in the NFL, earning his fourth consecutive Pro Bowl selection. He signed a lucrative six-year contract extension with the Cowboys in 2018, making him the highest-paid guard in the league at that time. Martin’s ability to maintain a high level of play despite injuries showcased his resilience and dedication to the sport. He was recognized for his contributions to the Cowboys’ offensive line, which consistently ranked among the best in the league. Martin’s accolades include being named to the NFL 2010s All-Decade Team and earning multiple All-Pro selections, cementing his legacy as one of the premier offensive linemen in NFL history.
Notable Works and Milestones
Throughout his career, Zachary Martin has been recognized for his outstanding performance on the field, including nine Pro Bowl selections and seven First-team All-Pro honors. His contributions have been instrumental in the success of the Dallas Cowboys’ offensive unit, and he is widely regarded as one of the best guards of his generation.
Zachary Edward Martin Award Nominations
Zachary Martin has received numerous nominations throughout his career, reflecting his consistent high-level performance and impact on the field.
Zachary Edward Martin Awards Won
Martin has won several prestigious awards, including multiple Pro Bowl selections and All-Pro honors, highlighting his status as one of the elite offensive linemen in the NFL.
Zachary Edward Martin Family
Zachary Martin is married to Morgan, whom he wed in July 2016. The couple has two children together. Morgan is the sister of former NFL tight end Tyler Eifert, and before their marriage, Martin and Eifert were teammates at Notre Dame.
Personal Life
In addition to his professional achievements, Martin’s family background is notable, as his brother Nick also plays in the NFL, having been drafted by the Houston Texans. The Martin family has a strong athletic legacy, with both brothers achieving success in football at the collegiate and professional levels.
