After fielding offers in free agency, specials team ace Josh Martin elected to re-sign with the Jets and help a young team in transition.
"I feel like there are a lot of good guys on the team," said the veteran outside linebacker. "Todd Bowles and Mike Maccagnan are going into their third year and it's good to be with a team that's establishing those relationships and working through some of the hardships. Obviously we didn't have the best season, but it's a character season. That's kind of how I saw it and I didn't want to walk away from a challenge. I'm looking forward to helping win some games and being a part of Jets Nation."
The hiring of outside linebackers coach Kevin Greene was another factor in keeping Martin in green and white. Martin has heard great things about his new position coach from former teammates that learned under Greene's tutelage including Chiefs LB Frank Zombo. Known for his fiery and upbeat personality, Greene's reputation speaks for itself.
"You see Hall of Famer next to any coach's name and that's all you need to see," Martin said. "With his style of play and the way he approaches the game, I'm just super stoked to work with him."
The 6'3" 245-pound Martin became a key cog on special teams last season, leading the team with 14 coverage tackles. In year two with special teams coach Brant Boyer, Martin is excited to take on more of a leadership role and help the group form an identity.
"Everyone wants to be a part of a group where teams don't want to play you," he said. "When you pull up a scouting report of the Jets special teams unit, you know we're going to get after it and we're going to give you our best shot every week. That's something we were working towards last season and kind of began to establish. I think it's up to us to continue that this year."
Martin is relieved his "exciting and nerve wracking" free agency process is in the rearview and he will now focus on the rest of his offseason routine. Shortly after the season ended, the Columbia product traveled across Asia for a month and stopped in Tokyo, Shanghai, Hong Kong, Bangkok, Phuket and Thailand.
"It was just as cool as it sounds," Martin said. "I have some great pictures and I put some up on social media. I'll put some more up, but I had a great time. That's kind of my big trip for the offseason and then eventually I'll head out to California where I train with my good buddy and old teammate Tamba Hali of the Kansas City Chiefs. That's how I started that tradition. I've been going out there for years since my rookie year, so I'm excited to get some good work done out there."
