Jacob Martin prepared for his rookie season with the Seahawks a little differently.
In July, just weeks prior to the start of his first NFL training camp, the 21-year-old defensive end and his brother — New York Jets linebacker Josh Martin — flew to Torrance, Calif., to train at Gracie University, perhaps the United States’ premier Brazilian jiu-jitsu training facility.
For the uninformed, Brazilian jiu-jitsu is a martial art focused on grappling, ground fighting, wrestling and submissions. The Gracie family essentially revolutionized the martial art and combat sport, earning particular acclaim in mixed martial arts competitions and the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC).