[3] Martin was selected in the ninth round of the 1981 NFL draft by the Detroit Lions, but was cut during training camp.
[4] He was signed in by the Denver Gold of the newly formed United States Football League (USFL) in 1983 and was named All-USFL in his first season after intercepting six passes.
[7] Martin began the 1986 season with the San Diego Chargers and played in four games with the team before being released.
[8] He was signed by the Montreal Alouettes of the Canadian Football League (CFL) and spent the rest of 1986 with the team.
Martin became a free agent when Montreal suspended team operations and was signed by the Buffalo Bills on July 27, 1987.