They say all things happen for a reason whether it is planned, or a surprise. However, it is hard to say the reason today’s events happened. The Carolina Panthers received a huge surprise today, Monday, July 27th, when a source close to tackle Jonathan Martin said he will retire from the NFL. The NFL Network first reported the story and said the reason for Martin retiring was the road to take instead of having back surgery for an injury which might have sidelined him for the 2015 season.
Martin, 6’5″ and 315 lbs., and only 25 years old, was claimed off waivers in March by the Panthers with hopes of helping on the offensive line to protect Cam Newton and contribute to opening the running game for Jonathan Stewart.