FRISCO, Texas — “ He fights past the whistle every time, “ offensive line coach Marc Colombo admiringly remarked to me on right guard, Zack Martin.
In his sixth season as a Dallas Cowboy, Martin is ranked as the best pass rush blocker in the NFL among guards per Pro Football Focus. He has yet to allow a sack on 199 pass-blocking snaps through five games in 2019. No surprise given No.70’s track record. Martin gives 100% on every play and then some.
The Cowboys drafted Martin in the first round (16th overall) of the 2014 NFL Draft. He did not miss a beat in the transition from the college level at Notre Dame to the Pros. His rookie season, he was selected to the Pro Bowl and has been invited every year since, for his production on the gridiron. He played in his fifth in 2018 after anchoring an offensive line that paved the way for Ezekiel Elliott’s second rushing title, as well as providing Dak Prescott with an average of 2.86 seconds to release the ball (sixth).
I spoke with teammate Travis Frederick on Martin, he assessed“ Zack is an integral part in the offensive line. When you have a talent like that, that makes everyone’s jobs around him easier. You can always count on him to get his job done and if it’s not perfect, he is going to still get it done. When that happens, it allows you to help other places and that’s been the focus there; a big impact in our line.”
He elevates the players around him and has been a consistent force in an offensive line plagued by injuries. He has set a high standard for himself that not many other players meet.
Colombo described his work ethic, “ He is our leader. He is a pro. He approaches the game in such a professional manner. That amount of effort he gives in the week, he studies harder than anyone I have ever been around. He works harder than everyone. He just doesn’t roll out of bed; he is a pro bowl player. He is a type of guy that gets himself ready. He has the talent, but he is one of these guys that just outwork you. He keeps you working hard. He is out working these guys in the film room, he is out working them on the field, and it shows up.”
There is a reason coming out of Notre Dame, that Martin’s former coach Brian Kelly said that the Cowboys could “win a Super Bowl” with him in the o-line. That is what you call an impact player and Martin has been nothing but since he put on a helmet with a star.
The 28-year old is flexible, seals running lanes, passes off stunts from defenses, and is alert and flexible against blitzes. He is a ‘jack of all trades’ so to speak but in addition to his physical ability, he also has the character and right off-the-field intangibles.
“ You can dial up any play of Zack Martin and I am confident in any play with him, “ Colombo exclaimed.
“He is everything you want in an offensive lineman. He is smart, he is athletic, and he is into it more than anyone I have ever seen. He is a big time leader, and even last week, we were down big and what he was doing for us from the sidelines- keeping everyone involved and got us back in that game, big; A little momentum for our team and just goes to show that is the type of person he is.”
He went on to say he could “be there all day describing Zack. “ Martin is a difference maker on and off the field. He has been a cornerstone in the Cowboys’ offensive line since 2014 and the heart and soul behind its success. His desire to win and commitment to achieve it on every snap of the ball is unparalleled. He is the example of how the game should be played.
