Wayne Martin is a former American football defensive end who played for the New Orleans Saints for his entire career. He was born on December 19, 1965, in Yazoo City, Mississippi, and attended the University of Arkansas, where he played college football for the Razorbacks.
Martin was selected by the New Orleans Saints in the first round of the 1989 NFL Draft, and he quickly became a key player on the team's defense. He played in 158 games for the Saints over the course of his career, starting in 143 of them. He recorded 82.5 sacks, which is the second-highest total in Saints history, and he also had 12 fumble recoveries and 4 interceptions.
Martin was known for his toughness and his ability to play through injuries. He played in 116 consecutive games for the Saints from 1990 to 1997, which is the third-longest streak in team history. He was also a team captain for several years and was widely respected by his teammates and coaches.
Despite his individual success, Martin's teams never made it to the playoffs during his career. The Saints had a few strong seasons in the early 1990s, but they were never able to make a deep postseason run. Martin retired after the 1999 season, and he was inducted into the Saints Hall of Fame in 2000.
After his playing career, Martin has been involved in various business ventures and charitable organizations. He has also been active in the community, particularly in his hometown of Yazoo City. He has been recognized for his contributions to the community and was inducted into the Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame in 2014.
Overall, Wayne Martin was a highly respected player during his time in the NFL. He was a consistent performer on the field and a leader in the locker room. While he never won a championship, he left a lasting impact on the New Orleans Saints and their fans.
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