New York Giants linebacker Blake Martinez faced a difficult decision this offseason. Either he accepted a pay cut to remain in East Rutherford or be released and face free agency after suffering an ACL tear in 2021.
Family played a major part in Martinez’s decision to return on a pay reduction, but it wasn’t the only factor.
“I think being able to have the structure and the ability to have my daughters in the schools they’re in and have that situation handled,” Martinez told reporters on Monday.
“[Playing for Wink Martindale was] part of my decision as well. I think for me, I always wanted to be the person that thrives in the uncomfortable because I could have possibly easily left and gone somewhere that’s comfortable and those types of things, people I knew or people that I played with before. But being able to go here and come back from my knee injury, go show Wink, and as you said, build that relationship with him throughout training camp, all the process, OTAs, and everything is I think going to be that much more rewarding when it happens.”
But nothing will be guaranteed for Martinez, injury or not. Everyone has a fresh slate under the new regime and every position must be re-earned.
“I think their big motto is that obviously, they wanted me to stay here. I think it was mutual on both sides and I think for them, they just basically told me, hey, everyone’s going to earn their spot. Obviously, you’re coming back from a knee injury, coming out here and showing us that you could be the Blake that you were before is obviously what we’re looking for,” Martinez added.
And Martinez believes he can be even better than the Blake of old. He’s ready to reinvent himself, which is evident by the brand new full sleeve he was sporting on Monday.
“I think for me, it’s just taking it one step at a time and not getting ahead of myself. I think just going through the process of rehabbing my knee, doing the things I need to do, and taking each checkpoint in open strides, I’m going to be able to be happy with what I’m turning myself into regardless of the Blake of the old or this new Blake that I’m forming right now.”
