Former Nebraska QB Adrian Martinez shines in preseason debut

Former Nebraska football quarterback Adrian Martinez earned himself another opportunity in the NFL after a spectacular season in the UFL with Birmingham.m

Martinez was the MVP in the first season of the United Football League. The former Nebraska football quarterback has always been a dynamic dual-threat option and rushed for 528 yards. Martinez accounted for 15 touchdowns, three interceptions, and threw for 1,748 yards.

The quarterback led the league in rushing and it caused the New York Jets to sign him this offseason. Martinez was signed by the Detroit Lions before but didn’t make the active roster.

However, after showing he can be successful in the UFL, Martinez is competing to be the Jets backup. With Aaron Rodgers on the roster, Martinez isn’t a viable contender for the starting job but he could earn the backup job. Even if the former four-year starter for Nebraska football is put on the practice squad, that would give him a pathway to a 53-man roster spot.

One thing that could intrigue the Jets is his dual-threat ability, plus he continued to throw the ball well in the preseason opener for the Jets, who knocked off the Commanders 20-17.

Adrian Dime☠️
pic.twitter.com/MK59nYbBvv

— Barstool ‘Skers (@BarstoolHusker) August 10, 2024

THIS @MartinezTheQB THROW 😱😱😱

📺 #WASvsNYJ on CBS & Paramount+ pic.twitter.com/9LtnrA4k2A

— New York Jets (@nyjets) August 10, 2024

Martinez completed 6-of-10 passes on Saturday for 106 yards. He completed a couple of balls down the field and also ran the ball twice for 24 yards. Rodgers didn’t play and Tyrod Taylor, the likely backup, attempted just two passes.

That makes it seem unlikely that the Jets would keep three quarterbacks on their active roster. But, the third quarterback will at least be on the practice squad, and Martinez is in the thick of it for that job after a solid performance on Saturday.

All he can do is keep making the most of his chances.

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